Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Busses began showing up on Rochester streets last month that not only looked different from others operating in the city.

They also marked a change in a longtime Mayo Clinic transportation contract.

Clinic spokesman Dan Pulford says Mayo decided to contract with Groome Transportation for its employee shuttle service, ending a relationship with First Student that dated back to the 1980s.

The new contract took effect July 1st and Groome’s white, low riding buses were introduced to the city. Pulford says the busses are a bit smaller than the First Student vehicles but are more accessible for those with mobility issues.

Groome runs 18 busses per day Monday - Friday, providing rides between Mayo campuses and parking lots. Pulford says the busses handle about 4,000 passengers per day. They run from 4:30 AM - 1:00 AM.

Groome also operates a shuttle service between Rochester and the Twin Cities airport.

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