(Story courtesy of Zephyr James, Office of Transit and Active Transportation)
Tri‑Valley Opportunity Council has been on a remarkable trajectory — expanding facilities, modernizing its fleet, and embracing low‑emission vehicles. Last year they broke ground on a new 9,105‑square‑foot transit facility in Crookston, and in May of 2026 they welcomed the public to an open house of the new facility. The facility features seven drive‑through bays, storage for 14 Class 400 vehicles, and an upgraded wash bay. It also serves as the new home base for Tri‑Valley’s growing propane‑powered fleet.
Visitors enjoyed tours, refreshments, and even a demonstration ride in a propane‑powered vehicle.
As ridership and service levels grow — with up to eight buses operating simultaneously on busy days — this new facility strengthens safety, reliability, and operational resilience for riders across Northwest Minnesota.
Tri‑Valley also became the first rural system in Minnesota to deploy a propane‑powered, low‑emission transit bus. The agency is transitioning five gasoline paratransit buses to propane, supported by an onsite fueling station.
This innovation was made possible through a discretionary grant submitted by MnDOT on behalf of Tri‑Valley and another Minnesota system. The project received $1.46 million in federal funding, matched with state funds.
By adopting alternative fuels, Tri‑Valley is setting a statewide example for sustainable, cost‑effective rural transit.