ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University's Student Government Association has partnered with Aberdeen Ride Line to launch WolfLine, a pilot transportation program designed to help students access essential shopping destinations during the winter months.

The pilot program will run from late November 2025 through the end of March 2026, providing students who do not have access to a vehicle with safe, reliable transportation to local grocery stores and retailers during the colder months when walking or biking becomes difficult. The first WolfLine ride will depart Nov. 18 with a confetti send-off celebration.

"This is a program that we have been working on in collaboration with the NSU SGA to help the students without transportation access local shopping," said Rich Krokel, transportation director for the city of Aberdeen. "As a pilot program, we are excited to be a part of this opportunity with Northern State University."

WolfLine will offer weekly round-trip service each Tuesday from the NSU Student Center to four Aberdeen shopping destinations: Walmart, Target, Kens Super Fair Foods and Kessler's Food and Grocery. The shuttle departs at 4 p.m. and returns by 5 p.m., with students checking in at the Welcome Desk between 3:40-3:50 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Earlier this academic year, SGA unanimously passed Resolution 2526-2, "A Resolution of Continued Interest in Partnering with Ride Line to Provide Transportation for International Students and Students Without Access to Vehicles." The initiative is supported through partnerships with Student Affairs, the Northern State University Foundation, Aberdeen Ride Line and the city of Aberdeen.

"Recognizing the need for reliable transportation options for students, we launched a multi-year initiative to meet that need," said Abiah George, Student Government Association president. "I am grateful that we were able to form partnerships across the community to make it a reality."

The George/Wollman Administration leads the 2025-26 SGA Executive Team: President Abiah George; Vice President Gavin Wollman; Chief Financial Officer Gunnar Larson; Chief Policy Officer Jasmin Garcia; and Chief Communications Officer Mackenzie Turner.

For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@northern.edu or 605-626-2046.