ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Transportation expanded its public transit trip planner to include six more rural agencies.

The Transit app and website help travelers plan for and, in some cases, book and pay for public transportation.

“This is a big step for Minnesota and for rural communities,” said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger in a news release.

“Transit agencies currently provide public transit services in all or part of all 87 counties in Minnesota, but many people are not aware of the services in Greater Minnesota or what their options are. This will allow residents and visitors throughout Greater Minnesota to see their options and plan trips now or months into the future.”

A pilot program in 2023 added 12 rural agencies to the Transit app. University of Minnesota researchers found those agencies saw a 4.2% increase in ridership compared to similar agencies without the technology.

Bemidji-based Paul Bunyan Transit and Hubbard County Heartland Express are among the six agencies now available in the app