Courtesy photo The Delta Area Transit Authority is marking its 30th year. Shown above are Jean Ruestman, administrator MDOT Office of Passenger Safety; John Stapleton, DATA executive director; and Charles Lindstrom, project manager MDOT Office of Passenger Safety.

ESCANABA — August marked the 30th anniversary of Delta Area Transit Authority providing local public transportation to Delta County.

To celebrate, the agency will be hosting an open house on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 12 to 4 p.m., followed by DATA’s monthly board meeting, which is open to the public. Cake and light refreshments will be served.

“DATA bus would like to thank all of our employees for their 265 combined years of service. Without the hard work and dedication of these employees, DATA bus would not have been able to provide over 122,000 rides in 2018; an average of 475 rides per day,” the agency stated in a press release.

DATA currently has a fleet of 17 wheelchair lift equipped buses, as well as three mini-vans and 28 employees. DATA also serves as a regional intercity transportation center by selling Indian Trails tickets and being a hub for its four bus routes to exchange riders every morning, seven days a week.