Advocate for Expanded Bus Access
Transportation accounts for approximately 17% of Duluth’s greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce those emissions, we need to prioritize street design and modes of transportation that put people first like accessible public transportation.
Duluth is moving towards a clean, carbon-free transportation system that improves the health and livability of our communities. The DTA’s Better Bus Blueprint system is set to launch on August 27. It includes 14 more efficient routes, expanded and more accessible service, and two new high-frequency “Go-Lines.” The expanded bus service and access will reduce road congestion and travel times. Additionally, with a transportation system that is less dependent on cars, we will see improvements in air quality from less pollution, and less energy and oil consumption. Higher air quality and less dependence on fossil fuels benefit both riders and non-riders alike.
Our current bus system still causes problems of inequity. While there is public transit accessibility throughout the Duluth metro area especially during peak times like morning and evening commutes, some people work the night shift where the bus, walking, and biking is not always an option. Taking transit from the poorest neighborhoods in Duluth versus the richest should not be a different experience.
Nor should public transit be physically challenging for anyone in Duluth. Our differently abled citizens need access to ensure safe transportation routes.
Contact City Leaders About this Issue
Use the sample letter below to send a letter to your city councilor about this issue. You can find their contact info on the City of Duluth website.
Dear City Councilor,
Transportation accounts for approximately 26% of Duluth’s greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce those emissions, we need to prioritize street design and modes of transportation that put people first like accessible public transportation.
Duluth needs to move towards a clean, carbon-free transportation system that improves the health and livability of our communities. We need a broader transportation system that is not dependent on cars.
Expanding bus service and access will reduce road congestion and travel times which is much needed during the major highway construction along I-35. Additionally, with a transportation system that is not dependent on cars, we will see improvements in air quality from less pollution, and less energy and oil consumption. Lower air quality and less dependence on fossil fuels benefit both riders and non-riders alike.
In addition, our current bus system causes problems of inequity. I support adding accessibility option for all members of our community. While there is public transit accessibility throughout the Duluth metro area, more bus options run during peak hours during normal morning commutes and evening commutes. But some people work the night shift where the bus, walking, and biking is not always an option. Taking transit from the poorest neighborhoods in Duluth versus the richest should not be a different experience. Nor should public transit be physically challenging for anyone in Duluth.
Our differently abled citizens need your support in a stronger effort to ensure safe transportation routes. For example, the bus stop at [insert here] is difficult for individuals with limited mobility to access.
Climate justice is not just about moving to a 100% carbon-free public transportation. Climate justice is making public transportation fair, and equitable.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Your Name
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