NORFOLK, NE—A new partnership between Visit Norfolk Area and North Fork Area Transit is responsible for the launch of a new charter trolley service.  The joint venture fulfills a long-time goal for both organizations. Traci Jeffrey, Executive Director of Visit Norfolk Area, said, “We are always looking for new ideas to support tourism in the Norfolk area. The trolley is something we’ve been wanting to do for quite some time and it’s exciting to see it come to reality. It will provide a great experience for visitors and residents alike.”  

Visit Norfolk Area is asking the public to submit name ideas for the new trolley through the North Fork Area Transit website at northforkareatransit.com/trolley. “We’d love to have a catchy name for our trolley that is memorable and that we can make our own,” said Traci Jeffrey. 

The bright blue trolley was recently given a renovated exterior with the help of Love Signs, a local signage company. It has wooden benches that can seat up to 30 people. The trolley will be operated as a charter service through North Fork Area Transit.  The transit agency will provide a CDL driver to operate the vehicle and also handle bookings. The service area for charters will include any destination in Madison or Pierce counties. The base rental rate for the trolley is $550 plus an additional $44 per hour for the driver.

“The trolley is a great addition to the services North Fork Area Transit provides. It attracts a lot of interest wherever it goes and will be a unique part of many special events in the area,” stated Jeff Stewart, Executive Director of North Fork Area Transit. 

For more information about the new service, visit northforkareatransit.com/trolley or to book call Jeff Stewart at the North Fork Area Transit office, 402-379-4595

ForkLift Bus Service Launches in April with Free Rides

NORFOLK, NE—North Fork Area Transit will begin operating their much anticipated ForkLift flexroute bus service on Monday, April 4.  The service will operate Route 1 which travels between Northeast Community College and Walmart via Norfolk Avenue and Route 2 which travels between Norfolk Senior High and Sunny Meadow Medical Clinic via Pasewalk Avenue. The bus will provide service to all marked stops along the routes Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., approximately every 30 minutes. Weekend service and a third route will be added this fall. 

The public is invited to ride ForkLift for free from April 4-30. Bus schedules and route maps are available at northforkareatransit.com, on the bus, at the transit office and coming soon to the Passio Go! app. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible and have bike racks available. 

“We are very excited for the public to ride ForkLift and experience the benefits of using public transit to get around Norfolk. We appreciate the support from the City of Norfolk, as well as our generous sponsors,” stated Jeffrey Stewart, North Fork Area Transit General Manager. The agency will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 20 at the bus facility on 222 N. 4th St. in Norfolk.

In addition to the established route service, the ForkLift bus can flex off the route to provide curbside service to anyone within three-quarters of a mile from any of the marked stops. Riders can schedule this option by calling at least two hours in advance. Curbside pickup will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The demand for public transit continues to rise in Norfolk and the surrounding area. North Fork Area Transit is dedicated to providing safe, efficient, and affordable public transportation to area residents. In addition to ForkLift, the existing schedule-ahead ride service, TeleLift will continue to operate.  Newly expanded weekend hours now allows riders to book rides seven days a week. Riders must schedule curbside pickup at least 24 hours in advance. TeleLift service is available up to 30 miles around Norfolk, seven days a week.

For more information visit northforkareatransit.com. To schedule a ride or for questions, contact the North Fork Area Transit office at 402-379-4595, Monday-Friday from 6:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

NORFOLK, NE—During a special event on Thursday, January 13th in Norfolk, North Fork Area Transit announced the creation of a new  ‘Youth Ride Free’ program as a direct result of a generous $25,000 donation from Healthy Blue Nebraska. 

“As part of Healthy Blue’s longstanding commitment to improving the health of our communities, we are addressing the complex and interconnected factors—like transportation, food, housing, social and financial circumstances—that shape health,” said Dr. Rob Rhodes, Healthy Blue Nebraska Interim President. “Healthy Blue remains committed to addressing these factors as we continue to engage alongside organizations and other partners with innovative programs and resources for the Norfolk community.”

The ‘Youth Ride Free’ program will include existing service on a first-come, first serve basis and the new flexroute bus service called ‘ForkLift’ starting this spring. The bus will provide rides along three routes with almost 100 bus stops throughout the community. In addition, curbside service can be requested on a first-come, first serve basis by anyone who lives within three-quarters of a mile from any of the marked stops.  Forklift will operate six days a week and Sundays by appointment.

Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning stated, “From what we’ve already experienced, transit options for families getting children to and from school is a huge, unmet need in the community.  North Fork Area Transit, with the generous support of Healthy Blue Nebraska, will now be able to continue and expand upon this important service, adding great benefit to the lives of many Norfolk families and improving the student experience.”  

Parents should note that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult with the following exceptions for children age four or older:

• As part of agency to agency transportation, such as from the YMCA to a public or parochial school.

  • The parent/guardian provides supervision for the child at both the pick-up and drop-off destinations.

• The child rides dedicated K-12 student transit service for home to school or school to home. 

“Youth riders are one of our biggest areas of growth. Parents are discovering how North Fork Area Transit is able to provide convenient and safe transportation for their children. We are thrilled to be able to partner with Healthy Blue Nebraska to provide this service to our community,” said Jeanne Doerneman, North Fork Area Transit Manager.