Go! Northfield-Dundas: a new virtual “kiosk” for local and regional transit information
Northfield.org is pleased to announce the launch of Northfield’s newest web resource – called Go! Northfield-Dundas! and found online at go.northfield.org. You can also reach the website by clicking the "Go! Northfield-Dundas" tab in the navigation bar at the top of the Northfield.org home page.
Go!Northfield-Dundas provides, in one handy, easy-to-use location, information on all local bus, taxi and shuttle services within Northfield and Dundas, as well as transit options from and to our community from the Twin Cities and region. To facilitate non-motorized transportation, the site also hosts a handy “Bike Routes” tab where one can find information and maps relating to in-town bike routes as well as favorite recreational rides in our area. An innovative RideShare feature can be used to find and offer rideshares as well as to organize group ride-sharing and commuter carpools.
In addition to the website, a partner Go! Northfield-Dundas print brochure, in English and Spanish, will provide local and regional transit information to local residents without internet access. Go! Northfield-Dundas brochures will be available starting June 1 at locations including the NCRC, Northfield Public Library, Northfield Hospital and area retirement facilities. Local residents needing assistance in Spanish can call Northfield’s new LINK Center at the NCRC (507) 664-3500 for help accessing local and regional transit services.
Go!Northfield-Dundaswas developed by the Northfield Grassroots Transit Initiative, a collaboration of local organizations and residents who are working to improve transit options in the community. One of the aims of Go!Northfield, according to NCRC Director and Transit Initiative participant Jim Blaha, is to give all local residents, regardless of income, the mobility to get where they need to go. "For low income families,” says Blaha, “ transportation is almost as basic a need as food! Picture a young mom with two kids: how does she get her children to daycare if she doesn't own a car? And how does she get to work, or anywhere? Our community needs to work to better meet this basic need for all local residents!”
The new website is just one of several projects underway by the Transit Initiative which was also a catalyst behind the Metro Express Bus service now offered by Transit Initiative participant Northfield Lines. The group is currently working with the City of Northfield to enhance existing offering including the addition of scheduled routes to Northfield Transit’s current dial-a-ride service.
Local resident Lin Bruce applauds the expanded range of transit options in the community, citing their importance for Northfield’s senior residents: "There is so much going in Northfield and access to reliable transportation makes it possible for seniors to participate in activities we might otherwise miss!” These options mean I can visit my grandchildren when I want to, and get in and out of town safely. I guess you could say they help expand my life.”
While a helpful resource for local residents of all ages, Go!Northfield-Dundas is also intended to facilitate visits by out of town tourists including recreational tourists and cyclists. The location on the well-trafficked Northfield.org website will make it easy for potential visitors from anywhere to find out how to get to Northfield and how to get around once they arrive.
Find Go!Northfield.-Dundas on www.Northfield.org or by simply typing go.northfield into your web browser. Go!Northfield-Dundas brochureswill be available starting June 1 at Northfield City Hall, Dundas City Hall, the Northfield Public Library, Northfield Retirement Center and other local institutions. More information on Go!Northfield-Dundas and the other projects of the Northfield Grass Roots Transit Initiative is available by contacting Northfieldtransitinitaitve@gmail.com.
