In our complex modern world, where the necessary facilities aren’t always local, having a means of transportation becomes a crucial part of everyday life. But for those who are inhibited from driving themselves due to financial constraints or health conditions, finding a means of getting around can be a daunting challenge.

Therefore, residents in the Northfield area are invited to take advantage of the CAC’s various transportation programs in order to meet the travel demands of their day.

Transportation Program
Gas Vouchers
Minor Car Repairs
Bus Tokens CAAR (Car Program)

Transportation Program

Advances in technology have not changed one stark, rural reality: the easiest (and sometimes the only) way to get from here to there is by car. Like food and shelter, transportation is increasingly a basic need, especially in a climate where below zero temperatures and wind chill can pose life-threatening dangers. Access to jobs, child care, affordable housing, education, health care, and other services or opportunities often depend on reliable, personal, transportation.

Like other rural communities, Northfield has limited public transportation. The local transit offers “dial-a-ride” service within the city limits from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the week, Monday through Friday, with extended hours on Thursdays until 8:00 p.m. Service is available on Saturdays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for $1.00 per trip. The transit operates as a subscription commuter service from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays within the Northfield city limits. There is no public transportation outside the city limits, and no bus service from Northfield to Faribault or the Twin Cities. Northfield Transit offers service to the Jefferson Lines Bus Depot located at the Big Steer Travel Center. The transit bus will meet one northbound and one southbound Jefferson Lines bus daily, Monday through Friday. Advance reservation are required 24 hours prior to service and can be made by calling 645-7250. Pick ups and drop offs will be made curbside within Northfield. The cost is $4 per one-way trip. For Jefferson Lines information and tickets, call 1-888-864-2832. For more information about the Northfield connection, see Service Description and Schedule.

Commuting to jobs in nearby communities, delivering children to day care, getting to medical and other appointments, searching for housing or work, all become more challenging when reliable transportation is lacking.

The Community Action Center of Northfield works with other agencies, groups and civic leaders to raise awareness of the need for improved public transportation and to develop new strategies to meet that need. The CAC also offers more practical assistance on a case-by-case basis: bus tokens, gas vouchers, interest-free loans for minor car repairs, and Community Action Auto Recycling (CAAR), a donated vehicle program.

Gas Vouchers

The CAC budgets funds each year for clients experiencing transportation problems. Staff may provide small (typically $20) for the purchase of gas and oil to permit travel to work or medical appointments. Such vouchers may see a family or individual through a cash-flow crunch, or keep a worker employed until the first paycheck arrives. To bridge this gap, staff issue a voucher authorizing a charge to a CAC account at a local gas station. Only gasoline, diesel fuel or motor oil may be purchased.

Minor Car Repairs

Limited financial assistance for eligible households needing help with minor car repairs (not exceeding $300.00) for essential transportation for work, school, or medical care.

Bus Tokens

CAC staff maintain a limited supply of bus tokens for local transportation for individuals or families in crisis. Staff issue these at their discretion, typically to help someone who is homeless and without a vehicle, or someone who needs to return to the CAC for further assistance or to get to the Rice County Social Services office at Northfield City Hall. These tokens are provided free of charge, but their availability is limited.

COMMUNITY ACTION AUTOMOBILE RECYCLING PROGRAM (C.A.A.R)

The CAC accepts cars that are in good working order as charitable donations. The cars are then given to CAC income eligible clients that have no other transportation options and have met specific criteria, such as needing a vehicle to get to work, school, or medical appointments.

The CAC has established criteria for people interested in applying for the used cars:

* People must be CAC certified clients or be eligible for CAC certification (live in the Northfield school district and meet income guidelines).
* People must not have reliable transportation options.
* They must need a vehicle for work or school transportation, or in some cases, if there is serious medical need for a vehicle.
* They must also have the financial means to pay for insurance.
* People must not be able to afford to buy a car for themselves.
* They must be able to pay for the title transfer fee and registration tab fees (if renewal is needed).
* They must have a valid driver’s license