Long-distance bus riders in northwest Minnesota/northeast North Dakota will soon find themselves limited to traveling on certain days to reach their destinations. Jefferson Lines, which currently provides two daily bus service routes - northern and southern - from Bemidi, Crookston, Grand Forks and towns in between, announced Tuesday that it will cut these back by nearly half.
"This was a difficult decision for the company," Wendy Cymbaluk, Jefferson Lines director of marketing and sales, said in a news release. "Increased operating costs from soaring insurance and fuel costs make it necessary for us to look at every mile we operate."
She added that low ridership and a serious driver shortage also contributed to the decision to cut the routes back. Several communities, including Crookston, Erskine, Fosston and Bemidji, average fewer than five passengers on each bus per day.
Beginning Jan. 15, the Minneapolis-based bus company will run the northern line, which leaves from Bemidji and goes to Winnipeg and points northwest, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The southern line, departing from Grand Forks to Minneapolis and points south, will be available Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The northern bus stops in Crookston at around 3:10 p.m., while the southern bus rolls in at noon.
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http://www.crookstontimes.com/articles/2008/01/10/news/26news2.txt