Superior Restores Bus Routes After Past Cuts Stir Debate

For many residents in the Twin Ports, public transportation is not optional. It is essential. That is why news about expanded transit service in Superior, Wisconsin is being welcomed by some, while raising skepticism from others, including an outgoing member of the Superior City Council.

In a recent press release, the City of Superior outlined a new resolution that would increase funding for the Duluth Transit Authority in order to expand and restore bus service to several areas. The proposal includes restored routes to Billings Park and South Superior, along with increased service to the East End, Downtown, and other parts of the city.

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The resolution is being brought forward by Superior City Councilors Mike Herrick and Nicholas Ledin. If approved, the city would commit an additional $20,000 beyond what is already budgeted for 2026 to support the service changes.

Superior Mayor Encourages Residents to Support New Routes

Superior Mayor Jim Paine addressed the proposal in a social media post, emphasizing the importance of ridership in maintaining and expanding transit services.

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“We protect and expand transit through ridership,” Paine wrote. “So as these improved routes roll out over the next few months, consider taking the bus out to eat or shopping once a week or so. You’ll be supporting local business and everyone that relies on public transit.”

Outgoing Councilor Pushes Back on Narrative

Not everyone is fully on board with the mayor’s framing of the expansion. Outgoing Superior City Councilor Mark Johnson voiced concerns, pointing to past decisions that led to service cuts in the first place.

“I’m super excited that these routes are being restored,” Johnson said. “But let’s be honest about the history here. It was this administration and his wife, as Council President, who originally supported cutting the funding and removing these vital routes.”

Johnson accused the mayor of attempting to take credit for fixing a problem that the current administration helped create.

Superior Says Expanded Service Improves Access

In the city’s official press release, officials say the proposed transit changes would improve access to jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services. The expansion is also framed as a way to strengthen regional connectivity between Superior and Duluth, a long-standing challenge for residents who rely on public transportation to move between the two cities.