Who we serve
Hours of operation
Where to call
Advance reservations
Infant safety seats
Pets on the bus
Services offered
Aides and assistants
Tickets and punch cards
Holiday service
How we're funded
Scheduled stops




Aides for passengers needing assistance travel at no charge. If you need financial assistance, Rainbow Rider works closely with Social Services to fulfill transportation needs for people with all income levels.

What hours do you travel?

City of Alexandria:

Monday - Friday: 6am to 8pm

Saturday: 8am to 4pm.

Rest of Douglas county:

Monday - Friday: 6:30am to 5pm

City of Glenwood, Starbuck, and Pope County:

Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 4pm

Stevens County:

Monday - Friday: 7:30am to 5pm

Long Prairie/Todd County:

Monday - Friday: 7:30am to 4:30pm

Where do I call for a reservation?
Our dispatch center, at 1-800-450-7770 or 320-283-5061 (locally) is open from 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Our dispatchers can reach bus drivers via two-way radios and cellular phones when your plans change at the last minute.

How far ahead can I make my ride reservations?
Up to one week in advance. All rides are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance notice assures your ride on your schedule but even last minute trips can often be accommodated.

Do you have child safety seats?
Yes. Each bus is equipped with child safety seats.

May I bring a pet on the Rainbow Rider?
Small animals may be transported in cages. Service dogs travel without restriction.

What service is allowed with the ride?
We offer door-to-door service with extra special care given to children and senior citizens. Door-to-door service means drivers assist passengers with a steadying arm between the bus and exterior door of their pick-up and drop-off locations and/or can carry up to three small packages (up to 25 pounds or what can be carried in one trip). Ask your dispatcher for more details.

What are your current fares?
Bus fare is just $2.50 per for a 5-10 mile trip, $4.00 for a 5.1 to 10 mile trip, $5.00 for a 10.1 to 20 mile trip, and $2.00 thereafter for every 10 miles. Children ages 3-11 are half fare when traveling with an adult, full fare when traveling alone. Children under 3 years of age are always free and must be accompanied by an adult. See our fares page for details.

Do passengers needing an aide or assistant pay more fare?
No. Aides for passengers needing assistance travel at no charge.

May I use a ticket or punch card instead of carrying cash?
For your convenience, tickets are available for purchase at face value. Punch cards containing twenty $1.00 punches are also available for $18.00, which means Rainbow Rider provides you with two free punches. Ask your dispatcher or see our fares page for details.

Do your buses run on holidays?
Our dispatch office is closed on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. No bus service is provided on the above days or on New Year's Day.

How is Rainbow Rider supported?
Passenger fares, contracts for service, state and federal tax dollars, donations.

Where does Rainbow Rider stop?
Our public transit system currently does not have any pre-scheduled stops. We stop where you stop! Many use our service to get to work, school, sports, dance, doctor appointments, shopping, outings and fun. From your local technical college, to the clinic, the library, the grocery stores and more, the Rainbow Rider takes you to your desired destination.