DTA Announces Award of $1.8 Million for FTA
Media Contact:
Heath Hickok
Director of Marketing
218-623-4314
hhickok@duluthtransit.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DTA Announces Award of $1.8 Million from FTA
DTA will purchase new a new fare collection system with grant monies, making riding the bus even more convenient.
DULUTH, MINNESOTA (April 9, 2018) – The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $1,800,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program. This grant will be used to replace an aging fare collection system with a new system that features more functionalities for DTA passengers.
Out of 453 applications from 53 states and territories requesting a total of more than $2 Billion, the DTA was one of only 139 grant applicants to receive funding. A $440,000 local share will bring the total project cost to $2,240,000.
The DTA will develop a request for proposals (RFP) to solicit vendors that can provide a new fare collection system and manage the project. The timeline for completion of this project has yet to be determined.
DTA Director of Planning and Grants, Sophia Parr, believes this will directly benefit the DTA’s riders. “The DTA recognizes that our current fare technology is struggling to keep up with the changing ways in which people want to be able to pay for fares. This award will provide us with a more flexible system that can read different types of fare media, opening the door for mobile payment and employer-sponsored pass programs. We are excited to have this opportunity and look forward to bringing new technology to our current and future riders throughout the Duluth and Superior communities,” said Parr.
If you would like more information on this press release or to schedule an interview with DTA Director of Planning, Sophia Parr, please contact DTA Director of Marketing, Heath Hickok, at 218-623-4314.
The DTA’s mission is to provide a public transit service that is safe, convenient, efficient and affordable. It has been providing reliable service to the Duluth area for more than 133 years. The DTA has over 150 employees and 66 buses that provide service throughout the Twin Ports. The DTA Operating Center is located at 2402 West Michigan Street, Duluth, MN 55806 and the Duluth Transportation Center (DTC) is located at 228 West Michigan Street, Duluth, MN 55802.
###
