DTA Hosts 3rd Annual “Your Turn to Drive” Event

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the public got behind the wheel of Duluth buses on Friday, whether testing out a new career option, or just checking a goal off the bucket list.

The Duluth Transit Authority invited people to test their bus driving skills for its 3rd annual “Your Turn to Drive” event.

Attendees of the event hopped in the drivers seat of the 40 foot buses, and took on a closed course.

One Duluth resident says he saw an ad for the event on Facebook, and jumped at the opportunity.

“I have a lot more respect for the job of the drivers,” said participant Doug Young. “They have a lot of switches to manipulate a lot of things to remember and of course, you’re sitting out in front of the front wheels so you have to take turns much wider, but it’s a lot of fun when you get it right. It’s a pretty sweet, smooth ride.”

The event serves as a way to recruit new DTA drivers and offer people a one of a kind opportunity to get behind the wheel.

“Our bus drivers work really hard and put in a lot of dedicated time to keep our community members safe and get them to their appointments, jobs, school and just leisure activities,” said David Clark, Director of Marketing for the Duluth Transit Authority. “So, really getting a new perspective and taking on a new challenge I think is great and one of the best parts of this event.”

While the bus driver shortage is recovering, the DTA says there is still openings for a driving class taking place this winter.