New law keeps smokers away from bus shelters
Lauren Regnier
Issue date: 2/10/10 Section: News
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Dennis Jensen, general manager of the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) said in a phone interview that smoking has been an issue, primarily in the downtown area shelters for years. One of the main problems they have encountered is smokers congregating in front of other non-smoking passengers.
"I've noticed mothers with children will get up and move away from smokers who congregate in front of the shelters," said Matt Larkin, UMD junior.
In an attempt to remedy this issue, "no smoking" signs were put inside the shelters. However, this didn't solve the problem completely as people could smoke right outside the shelter and not be in violation according to Jensen.
"About the same time that we realized we needed a further solution we were contacted by the Hillside Patch Group," Jensen said.
The Hillside Patch Group is an organization that works with the youth in the community to identify issues in the community and enact some type of change.
The youth created a survey that asked whether or not people disapprove of smoking in the proximity of transit shelters.
"They surveyed well over 200 people in the downtown area and received a response of about 80 percent of people who were in favor of prohibiting smoking in the proximity of transit shelters," Jensen said.
They brought this issue to the DTA, which evoked the law that will go into effect on March 7.
The fine for violating this law could reach $1,000 if they see major issues. Jensen said that they aren't trying to punish people, but that they just want to bring it to their attention; they shouldn't be smoking in the designated areas.
There will be a public outreach going on and the DTA will be posting signs before the law takes effect in order to prevent people from inadvertently violating the law.
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