Who: Project leaders from The PLUM Catalyst, Commissioner Rukavina from the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, Commissioner Daubenberger from MnDOT, and technology partners May Mobility and Via, along with officials from the City of Grand Rapids, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and surrounding communities. Operators, community members, and goMARTI riders will also be in attendance.
What: A media day and community event to celebrate the successful expansion of goMARTI 2.0. The event will feature remarks from project leaders, a live demonstration of the autonomous, electric, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and an opportunity for media to take a ride on the service. Interviews with project partners and riders will be available.
When: Thursday, October 23, 2025
11:00 a.m. – Media Event Begins
12 p.m. – goMARTI Press Rides
1 – 4 p.m. Community Event: “There’s No Place Like goMARTI Party”
Where: Judy Garland Museum, 2727 US-169, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Why: goMARTI (Minnesota’s Advanced Rural Transit Innovations) is a pioneering free, on-demand transit service that has provided over 30,000 rides since 2022. The recent expansion adds over 70 new stops, connecting the communities of Cohasset, Deer River, and Ball Club, including locations within the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation. This event highlights a major milestone in providing innovative, accessible transportation in rural Minnesota and showcases a model for the future of public transit nationwide.
Media Contact:
Michelle Scheuermann, The PLUM Catalyst, michelle@theplumcatalyst.com; 920-342-9281
About goMARTI:
goMARTI (Minnesota’s Advanced Rural Transit Innovations) is an on-demand public transit service using autonomous, electric, and hybrid vehicles to provide free, accessible rides in northern Minnesota. The project is a real-world model for integrating advanced mobility solutions in rural and tribal communities, fostering independence, community connection, and economic growth. For more information, visit goMARTI.com.
