DTA Announces Proposed Service Changes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DTA ANNOUNCES PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES
DULUTH, MINNESOTA (January 7, 2020) – The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) is proposing several changes to better serve our passengers and the community. The changes would take effect on March 1st, 2020.
The DTA’s 2017 Transit Development Plan identified the addition of more frequent trips to existing routes as a top improvement request from the community. In a continuing effort to implement strategies contained in the plan, the DTA is proposing the following changes:
NEW Route 25, the “DuLooper”: A Downtown Circulator that will travel along Superior Street, 10th Ave E, 3rd Street, and 6th Ave W.
A new route to serve Downtown Duluth and Hillside that will travel in a loop. This will be a free route that will have buses arriving every 15 minutes from 6 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday.
Added trips to the West Mainline Route 1: Route 1 runs between Downtown Duluth and the Lake Superior Zoo via Superior Street, W 3rd Street, Grand Avenue, and Hwy 23.
24 additional trips on weekdays, 5 trips added on Saturday, and 4 trips added on Sundays on Route 1.
* Extensions of select evening trips into Downtown Duluth on Routes 2 and 3.
Added trips to Route 10H: This route runs between Downtown Duluth and the Miller Hill Mall area via 6th Ave E, Central Entrance, Haines Rd, and more.
19 additional trips on weekdays
“We believe that the free circulator route will provide improved access for those who live and work downtown. The route reaches employers, entertainment, dining, and the healthcare facilities that are common destinations. The added trips and improved frequency on our West Mainline and Route 10H to the mall area will work to decrease wait times and improve rider experience.” - DTA General Manager, Phil Pumphrey.
The DTA is also proposing the elimination of Route 24 (Aquarium/DECC Loop) due to poor performance. The route launched August 25th, 2019 as an experimental route. Unfortunately, after several months of tracking performance, the route has not met performance standards.
Additionally, the DTA is considering the elimination of the D.A.S.H. (Downtown Area Short Hop) fare due to the new free “DuLooper” Route, and the M.A.S.H. (Mall Area Short Hop) fare due to low utilization.
The DTA encourages the community to explore the proposed changes and submit comments via the following outlets:
- https://www.duluthtransit.com/home/contact/contact-us/
- Attend an open house meeting at the Duluth Transportation Center (228 West Michigan Street) on January 21st between 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
- Attend the January 29th DTA Board of Directors Meeting (DTA Operating Center – 2402 West Michigan Street)
