What should New Ulm’s new bus be called? The city and the service operator, Brown County Heartland Express, invite residents to submit name ideas by Aug. 24 online at co.brown.mn.us/namethebus or in-person in a drop box at New Ulm City Hall, New Ulm Chamber of Commerce Office, Brown County Courthouse, Brown County Human Services or the Brown County License Bureau.

A variety of names are expected, said Patrick LaCourse, transit manager for Brown County.

Final selection will be made by the Transportation Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the city, county and community. It is seeking a name that is easy to remember and has meaning for people who use the bus or see it circulating through the community.

The bus service begins in September with a used bus. A new bus was ordered several months ago and is expected to arrive around the end of the year.

The fixed-route service will run on a set schedule, Monday through Saturday, with start and end times to be determined.

The route will start at Heartland Express offices at the Brown County Licensing Bureau, then travel about an hour before returning to the offices, with numerous convenient stops for riders to access stores and community sites around town.

The city is sponsoring free rides until the end of the year. In 2023, each ride will cost $1.

Heartland Express will continue its demand-response service in addition to providing fixed-route service. Service updates will be posted on the city’s website (newulmmn.gov.