Minne Transportation Services (MTS) co-founder Chad Paulson said he knew he had to do something when he saw this coverage gap.

“Being from the area and knowing there was a lack of coverage, we saw an opportunity to get in the market,” he said. “We knew if we gave it a shot we could make it happen.”

Chad and his wife Natasha Paulson then bought a 13-passenger bus and standard SUV to form Minne Transportation Services in late September 2023. The car carries out its standard taxi fares, while the bus handles rides of six passengers or more and medical rides. In the short time since they’ve started, Chad Paulson said they’ve been gaining momentum and looking to expand.

“We’ve had to build up our brand,” he said. “It’s been slow to go, but we’re optimistic when winter decides to show up more people will need the service. We’re presently waiting on our STS certification for medical rides to be reimbursed by Medicare and the insurance companies. Once that goes through, we’ll be able to engage those types of clientele.”

Co-founders Natasha and Chad Paulson (left) and driver Kelly Anderson (right) sit in Minne Transportation Services’ 13 passenger bus. In addition to the bus, MTS also has a car for typical taxi rides.

Chad Paulson said they’re looking to separate MTS from the other options out there. On top of their normal business hours, they fill in time slots other transportation options don’t cover. He said the service also requires rides to be scheduled ahead of time, differentiating itself from Uber/Lyft.

“[We’re not] trying to play the on-demand game like you would with Uber,” Chad Paulson said. “We’re trying to differentiate ourselves from that type of service and be available but also let you know if we’re not available.”

Separating MTS from the crowd also involves the type of rides they provide. On top of the typical A to B taxi service, MTS does themed group trips on request, transport to and from airports, and transport of packages instead of people as a courier service. Chad Paulson said they’re also willing to travel long distances, with drivers having gone as far as the Twin Cities.

Why do all this? Chad Paulson said the motivation comes from his previous experiences as a business owner.

“My wife and I own another business called Twin City Epoxy Docs,” he said. “We started small and have been growing and growing. Now we’re getting into commercial jobs where if you’d asked me a couple of years ago, ‘Had you ever thought we were gonna be doing that?’ I would have said no. We’re always striving to do the unthinkable.”

Supporting these offerings is no easy feat. The biggest issue for MTS thus far has been finding drivers. Chad Paulson said their current business model is different from what most people are used to.

“People are used to punching a clock nine to five and getting an hourly rate. In this type of service, it’s not feasible at this point to pay somebody on an hourly rate. We have the 1099 model with our drivers. [We’re looking at] getting people to think outside the box in working with us as a start-up.”

Chad Paulson said they’re looking to continue fostering connections with local businesses. In doing so, they wish to provide a stable transportation network in New Ulm and Southern Minnesota. As the new year begins, they’re also looking to expand their themed ride opportunities.

“Once things stabilize throughout 2024, we’re looking into putting tour packages together,” Chad Paulson said. “Teaming up with certain businesses and hotels around the area, we’ll get tourists to come to New Ulm and be their provider of getting them from all the points around town.”

Rides can be scheduled by call or text at 507-990-2077, via email at mts.newulm@gmail.com, or through the Taxi Caller For Passengers mobile app. For more information, visit https://www.minnebus.com/