Pass Program Begins between DTA and Duluth Public Schools

DULUTH, Minn. — High School Students in Duluth have more access to transportation around the city.

Duluth Public Schools and the Duluth Transit Authority have partnered to offer all high school students and staff free bus rides through the DTA.

This will help give students more ways to get to and from school.

There aren’t limits on the passes, so they will work all day, every day, even through the summer.

Students can use their bus pass to attend after school programs and get to and from work or other necessary stops.

“We know that many of our students, they don’t have reliable transportation, and this is a way to really make sure all students have a way to get to school on time and to get to work if they need to get to work on the weekends as well.”, “Over the last several years, attendance have been problematic with students getting to school again because of lack of reliable transportation. Now we know with Duluth weather, it’s beautiful in the summer, but in the wintertime, the inclement weather can be a challenge.” Said Anthony Bonds, Assistant Superintendent at Duluth Public Schools

They tested this with a pilot program last year.

Over 400 students used the program per month, and they expect to have that level of ridership if not more.

“The benefit, to the DTA, of course, is we’re always trying to build ridership, and I think this is a way that we can do that while serving a great need. But the way we look at it is, you know, if we get a student on the bus now, we’d love to see them riding a bus 10-20, years from now. It’s maybe it’s their first time now, but they can see the benefit that public transit brings.” shared Rod Fournier, General Manager of the DTA

The program is approved approved through June 2026.  The district will pay $75,000 for the rest of the school year — ending June 30, and $150,000 for July 1 – June 30, 2026.