DTA to Pause Routes Beginning Sunday, June 26th Due to Staffing Shortage
The DTA announced today, that despite ongoing efforts to bring aboard Bus Operators to replace those who have retired or otherwise departed, they are forced to make the difficult decision to pause Route 5 (which runs between western Duluth and the Miller Hill area), and the Port Town Trolley serving the waterfront. As a function of the Route 5 pausing, this will also impact Inbound Route 10E trip Departing Door 8 at 7:05am and Outbound Route 1 Zoo trip departing DTC at 7:35am weekdays. A Route 9MT trip departing the Piedmont Park and Ride at 7:07am, which arrives downtown at 7:23am will also be paused. These individual trips, while not part of Route 5 are connected via interlined service, and will also be paused until the 5 service returns. These temporary changes will go into effect Sunday, June 26th.
“Challenging labor market conditions, retirements, and other unforecastable changes have made it extremely difficult to keep our labor numbers where we need them”, noted DTA General Manager, Rod Fornier. “Coupled with the comprehensive training program and time it takes to get our team road-ready, today’s hiring conditions are leaving us short of where we need to be to deliver the entirety of our system in a reliable manner.” “We recognize that we aren’t facing the labor challenges alone, and its particularly painful to pause routes during peak-season for outdoor enjoyment and tourism. We have looked at every angle, and this is our only path at the moment”, explained DTA Director of Marketing Dave Clark.
Those interested in one of the several current openings for Bus Operator and other positions at the DTA can visit Careers - Duluth Transit Authority to learn more about the opportunities which DTA General Manager, Rod Fournier noted, “Are very attractive for those looking for great wages, excellent benefits, and a career that makes an impact on the communities we serve.”
