DTA to provide free, rechargeable EZ-Cards

November 23, 2009 by Howie · Leave a Comment

DTAEZ-Card In an effort to speed up the paying of fares and boarding of buses, the Duluth Transit Authority will be giving away rechargeable EZ-Cards during December for riders purchasing 31-Day Passes or Stored Value Cards with a minimum of $10 cash value at the Downtown Transit Center or the DTA Operations Center in the West End.

The DTA held a successful EZ-Card promotion in December last year, with nearly 700 riders taking advantage of the free EZ-Cards.

Paying a fare with an EZ-Card is simple. Riders just need to “touch” the target on the fare-box with their EZ-Card to validate a ride. EZ-Cards kept in wallets or plastic holders will also validate rides when held within near proximity (a few inches) of the farebox target.

EZ-Cards are rechargeable for continued use. DTA riders can easily recharge their EZ-Cards with a 31-Day Pass or stored cash values up to $25 at the Downtown Transit Center, the DTA Operations Center, located at 2402 W. Michigan Street or fare vending machines at the Downtown Transit Center, Miller Hill Mall Door 8 Bus Stop and the Superior Public Library.

Normally, the DTA charges $2 for a “proximity-sensitive” EZ-Card; but is waving the fee during the month of December to promote the fare card medium and speed up passenger boardings.

EZ-Cards are made of durable plastic and have a three year life. EZ-Cards also provide improved security! Whenever an EZ-Card is lost or stolen, it can be replaced with the value remaining on the card at the time it was reported — providing the serial number on the EZ-Card was recorded by the user.