Hibbing resident pitches ‘Chicken Run Transit’ to link small Iron Range towns

Kim Hai, a Hibbing resident, told the city council she is launching “Chicken Run Transit,” a privately developed, route-based transportation service aimed at filling gaps between Hibbing and nearby communities.

“What I'm building is not a taxi service… It is a small, structured, route-based transportation service designed specifically for a rural community,” Hai said, describing a proof-of-concept that would begin with a single 10–12 passenger van, predictable schedule and phased expansion driven by demand.

Hai said she is completing state-level registration and working with a local insurer; she is not requesting immediate funding but asked the council to consider a future resolution of support to aid in pursuing regional and state partnership opportunities. The proposal includes a holding company for oversight, an operating company for payroll and compliance, and a directory platform to connect riders and local businesses.

Mayor Hayduk and other council members welcomed the proposal but asked for more detail before endorsing it. Mayor Hayduk said he would like to see Hai’s business plan and more of the operational blueprint before moving forward with any formal support.

City attorney/staff counsel indicated the city will need to determine whether the service fits existing local regulations (for-hire/taxi definitions) and suggested the applicant coordinate with state regulators as appropriate. Hai told the council she hopes to launch mid-June or in July pending paperwork and processing; she confirmed drivers would need DOT physicals and that starting pay would be $20 per hour.

The council did not take any formal action; members instructed staff to accept a business plan or additional material and to advise on what local permits or regulatory classifications would apply.