(507) 387-1666
421 East Hickory Street, Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-1666
421 East Hickory Street, Mankato, MN 56001

TRANSPORTATION

 

Access to dependable and affordable transportation is key to successful, community living. Since VINE’s inception in 1995, transportation has been an important part of our service offerings. People who do not drive or have access to public transportation need to shop, go the doctor, or attend appointments. VINE’s volunteer driver program is nationally recognized for excellence and efficiency, providing 90 rides per weekday throughout VINE’s service area.

If you have any questions about transportation, please call (507) 387-1666 or email our Transportation Manager, Ron at rond@vinevolunteers.org. 

VINE Volunteer helps care receiver into car

Persons with limited English proficiency may contact Blue Earth County Employment Services at (507) 386-5750.

Personas con competencia limitada en inglés pueden contactar Blue Earth County Employment Services at (507) 386-5750.

Using VINE’s vehicles or personal vehicles, volunteer drivers pick up people and take them where they need to go.

Testimonial

  • I owe VINE so much. I’d be lost without help from VINE’s transportation department.

    Julie Martinson
    VINE Transportation Recipient since 2011
  • VINE is a wonderful place. You get to meet all kinds of people and hear their story.

    Richard Melarvie
    Volunteer Driver since 2007

Door2Door

VINE’s Door2Door Transportation Program assists community members age 60+ living in Mankato and North Mankato when public transportation in unavailable or not easily accessible. VINE’s trained and insured volunteer drivers help older adults get to their appointments, shop, and do errands. If needed, volunteers can even help you select and carry in your groceries. We arrange transportation for medical and other appointments and provide rides to social and congregational events. Transportation to out-of-town medical appointments can be arranged.

On a limited basis, we provide rides for people under age 60 with disabilities and people who are encountering difficult life circumstances. We also work closely with staff at county human services to provide rides for income-eligible clients. To facilitate scheduling, requests for local rides must be made at least three business days in advance. Since the transportation office is not open on weekends, requests for rides on Monday must be made by noon on the preceding Wednesday. Please schedule your ride as soon as you schedule your medical appointment. Limited weekend transportation is available for medical needs. The program is not intended to be a person’s only source of transportation

At the end of each month, passengers are mailed a ride summary sheet and a donation envelope. VINE’s transportation program is supported through contributions from riders and their family members, the Greater Mankato Area United Way, and grants from Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties. Feel free to contact VINE’s Transportation Department at (507) 387-1666 to discuss your needs.

TRUE Transit

TRUE Transit provides rural county-wide public transportation service for Blue Earth, Nicollet and Le Sueur Counties. TRUE, which stands for “Town, Rural, Urban Express,” offers dial-a-ride service Monday – Friday between 8 am – 5 pm to assist those needing to do their shopping, get to the doctor or visit family and friends at an affordable rate. All rides, no matter the distance are just $5 each way. Reservations are required one business day in advance.

If you would like to schedule a ride, or for more information, please call (507) 388-8783 or visit us online at www.truetransit.org.