Duluth City Council OKs bus fare increase

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The Duluth City Council unanimously approved a Jan. 1 fare increase for bus service Monday to expand evening service and add holiday service.

Under the proposal, cash fares will increase about 20 percent and bus passes about 15 percent, said Jim Heilig, DTA’s director of administration.

Adult fare during peak times (weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. and 2:30 to 6 p.m.) will increase from $1.25 to $1.50.

Off-peak fares, from 60 cents to 75 cents.

Youth fares, from $1 to $1.50.

Monthly youth passes, from $30 to $37.50.

Monthly adult passes, from $35 to $40.

STRIDE peak fare, from $2.50 to $3.

The idea to increase fares came in response to requests for expanded bus service, Heilig said. Because state and federal subsidies are not increasing, the only option for generating more revenue is through fare increases, Heilig said.

Increased revenue will allow the DTA to start Sunday-level service on all major holidays, which currently have no bus service. Later evening service will be added to accommodate workers in the mall, hospital and downtown areas.

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