UPDATE: The DTA Grocery Express Needs More Riders To Succeed

I am fortunate, I am able to drive a car to the grocery store for my groceries.  It wasn't always that easy, I use to live in apartment and while I could drive to the grocery store and home, I had to carry my grocery bags up three flights of stairs, locking and unlocking both my car and apartment door each time.  That STILL was easier than people who have to take a bus to the grocery store and wrestle with their grocery bags going home.  However, unless the DTA sees more riders, the program may cease.

The Grocery Express first route had it's inaugural trip to the West Duluth Super One on September 1.   It runs every Tuesday and makes seven trips to and from the Super One store in West Duluth to the neighborhoods of Lincoln Park and Morgan Park.  The pilot program will go through December and DTA officials are saying if they don't see the ridership increase, they may have to stop the specialized bus.

What's different about this DTA bus?   It has special bins to hold grocery bags, how convenient is that?  The other difference (and this makes all the difference in the world when you're carrying heavy groceries) is, that the bus will drop people off and pick them up directly in front of the Super One store.  Eliminating the need to walk to the bus stop several blocks away.  The same fares and policies will apply as on the other DTA buses.

They report that ridership is good, about 60-65 people a week, but MNDot would like to see at least 80.  According to Heath Hickok, the Director of Marketing for the DTA, they would like to get over 100 passengers a week, maybe even in the 150-160 range.

December will end the four month pilot program and then the decision will be made to keep or cease the Grocery Express.  I hope it works out, it really is cutting edge.  There are only two of these programs in existence in the nation, Duluth and Michigan.

The DTA and Fair Food Access are doing a grocery cart sweep stakes to try to increase ridership.  Passengers who live along the bus route will have the opportunity to win a collapsible grocery cart.

Info via:  nncnow.com