The calls came flooding into the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) about schedules and routes last week, when gas prices skyrocketed as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
But before all of that, the DTA had no question that high fuel prices were driving its ridership up. In fact, July was up three times the predicted amount.
"This summer we saw more mid-day riders; which I think means a lot of part-time workers finally decided gas is just too expensive," Jim Heilig, DTA director of administration and planning, said.
Heilig also said he's noticed the general population has increased its car pooling, walking and biking. "Duluth is a good place to bike. Coast down the hill into town, ride the bus back out," he said.
Mary Dontje has been a bus rider for six years. She said she sees new faces on the bus every day. "Especially in the mornings -- and in the last two weeks. The bus is just packed in the morning," Dontje said.
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Dontje and her daughter Anna both ride the bus daily. They say they do it to reduce wear and tear on their cars, to cut back on parking and gas expenses.
The DTA has also had to make some changes as a result of gas prices. In June, the DTA was over budget in fuel costs alone by $120,000. "Ridership isn't exactly balanced with fuel right now," Heilig said.
As a result, base fees went up in August from $1 to $1.25 and the mid-day fare went up from 50 cents to 60 cents.
Despite the hike, Heilig said the numbers for August are still looking good.
The introduction of the college students back into the community helps a lot, as do the new daily, weekly and monthly passes that the DTA is now offering.
"The new passes offer a lot more flexibility as well as a pretty good deal," Heilig said.
This new program, combined with a grant for more than $987,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation, is designed to encourage more business people to ride the bus to work. "Especially those who work in the downtown area or at the University," said Heilig.
The grant will assist in the revitalization of the downtown and west Duluth shelters -- including better security, lighting, heating and signage.
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"The grant goes toward amenities," Heilig said. "It can buy us a bus -- but it can't put fuel into it."
The grant will also improve streetscapes and pedestrian walkways.
Heilig said for those who haven't used mass transit before, the first thing to know is the driver is there to help. "They will help you figure out the best route and the best form of payment," he said.
He also encourages using the bus to get around neighborhoods. "In Lakeside, for example, you could ride to the Jubilee, do a little shopping, and 40 minutes later another bus will be there to take you back home," he said.
The DTA can't be everywhere at once, Heilig said, but using the bus is economical -- as many Duluthians are finding out.
