The Duluth Transit Authority is considering moving its downtown transfer center off Superior Street. The options have now been narrowed to two: a consolidated station in the 200 block off the frontage road west of I-35, and a split system that would have two smaller transfer stations at either end of downtown.
While the bulk of the funds needed for the new center would come from federal grants, it is important to note that the cost of the consolidated station would be about $12 million while the cost of the split station would probably be under $2 million.
The planning for a new station is still in its preliminary stages, and the DTA has been and will continue to hold hearings so that the public can respond.
A third option is to do nothing.
However, the reason the new center is under consideration is because of the congestion created on Superior Street sidewalks while people wait for the bus.
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While a detailed cost analysis will be needed before proceeding, we see the more expensive consolidated station as having many advantages that would increase bus ridership. In particular, it would provide convenient access to the DECC and the new movie theater as well as be closer to most of the downtown restaurants than would be the split stations. Whether the increased usage would be worth the extra $10 million is one of the key questions that needs an answer before proceeding.
