DTA to Provide Buses for Runner Shuttles at 41st Annual Grandma's Marathon
Media Contact:
Heath Hickok
Director of Marketing
218-623-4314
hhickok@duluthtransit.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DTA to Provide Buses for Runner Shuttles at 41st Annual Grandma’s Marathon
DULUTH, MINNESOTA (June 15, 2017) – In keeping with a long-standing tradition, the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) will once again transport participants in Grandma’s Marathon to the starting line.
DTA buses will supplement the large number of contracted yellow school buses to transport runners in both the full-and-half marathons. The DTA is expected to provide a minimum of 28 full-sized transit vehicles for the event. Due to federal regulations, the DTA is normally prohibited from providing such charter services in competition with private bus operators, however, in events having regional significance that would be impacted by a lack of available vehicles, the DTA can partner with private bus operators for such services.
This year, 22 DTA buses will be utilized at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) boarding site on Railroad Street. Runners in the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon can board DTA buses at that location between 4:45 and 5:15 a.m. Runners in the full Grandma’s Marathon can board one of six DTA buses at Comfort Inn West located at 3900 W Superior Street between 5:45 and 6:15 a.m. All passengers must have their official event race number visible to board the DTA shuttle buses.
As an added service to benefit the transport of participants throughout the day, any runner participating in the half-or-full marathon can ride for free on any bus in the DTA System all day on Saturday, June 17th using their race numbers. This includes Route 19 (Port Town Trolley).
During the races, Jefferson Lines and Indian Trails will not be able to operate out of the Duluth Transportation Center (DTC) due to the closure of Superior Street. Intercity bus operations will be temporarily relocated to the DTA parking lot located next to the M & H gas station at 1230 West Michigan Street. All Jefferson Lines and Indian Trails buses between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. will arrive and depart from that location. Access to DTA regular route buses are available at this site. Passengers seeking further information on detour routing and bus schedules are advised to visit: duluthtransit.com.
If you would like more information on this press release or to schedule an interview with DTA General Manager, Dennis Jensen, 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 131 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 new Duluth Transportation Center (DTC) is located at 228 West Michigan Street, Duluth, MN 55802.
###