Dial-A-Ride Manager
Ron Prell 
Prell's Services

City Hall
208 North First Avenue
Alpena, Michigan 49707

Phone: (989) 356-4596
Fax: (989) 358-9001
Email:  alpenata@a1access.net

The Alpena Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) service began operations in 1974 and was the eighth small bus system to be started in Michigan. Since that time the system has logged nearly 7.7 million miles and carried over 4 million passengers. Today the DART system consists of 7 wheelchair lift equipped buses operating 7 days a week on a demand-response basis. DART is proud to provide transportation service to all segments of the population within the greater Alpena area, but most notably to the elderly, handicapped, and youth, many of whom have no other means of moving about in our community.

Funding for the system is derived primarily from three sources:
          1. State and federal reimbursements
          2. Fares
          3. A 0.5 mill City property tax levy

The one-half mill tax levy was first instituted in 1976 by a vote of the City electorate and has been renewed every 4 years by an average 3 to 1 vote margin. The system has turned 30 years of age in 2004, and looks forward to many more years of providing safe and affordable transportation for the citizens of Alpena.

How does Dial-A-Ride work?

Dial-A-Ride has a fleet of small buses that will pick you up at your front door and take you any place you want to go in Alpena and the commercial and residential sections adjacent to Alpena. (Click here to view service area map.)

Just pick up your phone and call 356-4596. Tell us where you're calling from and where you want to go. We'll send a Dial-A-Ride bus to pick you up. A "standing order" for service at the same time every day can also be booked by calling the Dial-A-Ride dispatcher.

Who can use Dial-A-Ride and when?

Anyone able to travel can use Dial-A-Ride. Buses will operate on this schedule:

We ask that you allow 30 minutes for the bus to arrive.

How much does it cost to ride Dial-A-Ride?

Within the city limits of Alpena:

• $1.00 for adults under 65 years of age.

• $  .50 for senior citizens and children 14 years of age and under.

In the commercial and residential sections adjacent to Alpena, but outside the City limits:

• $2.50 for adults under 65 years of age.

• $1.25 for senior citizens and children 14 years of age and under.

** Exact fares are required.