DTA Plays Vital Role by Providing FREE Rides to Warming Center
Media Contact:
Heath Hickok
Director of Marketing
218-623-4314
hhickok@duluthtransit.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DTA Plays Vital Role by Providing FREE Rides to Warming Center
DULUTH, MINNESOTA (January 31, 2019) – Last night, the DTA Board of Directors voted to provide free rides for citizens traveling to-and-from the City Center West Warming Center in West Duluth. Individuals going to the warming center must tell the DTA bus Operator, “I am going to the warming center/shelter.”
The free rides begin at 9:00 p.m., which is one hour before the warming center opens in West Duluth at 10:00 p.m. The free rides will then be offered the following morning until 7:30 a.m. which is one hour after the warming center closes at 6:30 a.m. Citizens can utilize these free rides anytime during the DTA’s normal hours of operation. They can leave the warming center anytime and catch the bus during these same hours of operation. The nearest bus stop to the facility is conveniently located on Grand Avenue in front of the building.
The DTA Board of Directors listened to public comments last night and read emails they received about opening the Duluth Transportation Center (DTC) for the homeless as a second warming center. However, board members expressed concerns about safety, security and potential liability for the DTA if the DTC is used as a warming center. Moving forward, the DTA would like to be part of the discussion within our community about working together on providing a transportation solution to the issue of homelessness within our city. The free rides to the warming center endorsed by the DTA Board illustrates our support for the City of Duluth’s initiative to help the homeless while allowing us to continue focusing on our core mission of providing safe, convenient, efficient and affordable transportation to citizens in the Duluth Superior area.
Since this cold snap began, the DTA has been promoting homeless resources within the community with the goal of connecting those in need with appropriate agencies and/or nonprofit organizations. We displayed helpful information on our digital monitors located in the Skywalk of the DTC in addition to our website and social media pages. Furthermore, the DTA provided organizations such as CHUM, Damiano and the Union Gospel Mission passenger hand schedules and rider guides they can distribute to those wishing to use this free service. After all, The DTA Board wants every citizen in the Twin Ports to stay safe during severe cold weather events.
If you would like more information on this press release or to schedule an interview with DTA General Manager, Phil Pumphrey, 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 132 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.
