Noah Johnson Daily Press Delta Area Transits Authority (DATA) Executive Director John Stapleton speaks to guests during the DATA community listening session at the Northern Lights YMCA.

ESCANABA – Roughly 30 Delta County residents, community members and concerned citizens met at the Northern Lights YMCA on Tuesday for a community listening session regarding public transportation.

Delta Area Transit Authority (DATA) hosted the session following the closure of JN Taxi service – the only taxi service in the county. JN was scheduled to close mid-May, and several guests confirmed during the session that the taxis are now officially out of service.

DATA is looking to extend its hours and services, but that likely will not happen until 2026 through a county-wide millage proposal for DATA.

DATA currently serves Escanaba and Gladstone, as well as multiple townships including Bay de Noc, Bark River, Brampton, Ensign, Ford River and Masonville.

It operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

DATA Executive Director John Stapleton provided insight on what DATA is doing to fill the gaps, and invited other services from the U.P. to chime in.

He explained that previously in the 1970s. Community Action provided transportation until DATA started in 1989, picking up where Community Action left off.

“At that time, there were two or three taxi systems in service, and DATA at the time, at least from the history that I can find, didn’t want to compete with the taxi services. And also was really looking to fill the gap that Community Action Agency was already filling,” he said.

He added that’s one of the reasons why DATA does not currently run six or seven days a week like neighboring counties such as Schoolcraft, Alger and Marquette counties.

While DATA is working to address the community’s transportation needs, it will take time and will likely not be able to fill all of the gaps left by JN.

“We can’t fill 100 percent of those gaps, probably ever,” Stapleton said.

He explained that JN was running 24/7, and nowadays, a service that is able and willing to pick up those hours is almost unheard of.

Stapleton said he is actively working to get funding, requesting Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARD) funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Stapleton also requested a transit study of three counties, including Delta, Menominee, and Schoolcraft, to get a better idea of what and where the need is.

“That study is helpful because it’s a needs assessment, but also, you know, it’s going to go through what are the needs, how do you fund it, what are the funding options, and what does that look like,” Stapleton said.

The survey, conducted by Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD), will also determine how many days of service are needed and what hours each day are needed.

Stapleton said DATA plans to introduce a millage proposal in the August 2026 election that would help fund the service, and allow it to service more people.

He added that DATA wanted to propose the millage in August of this year, but it’s too late to get that done.

“Fiscal year 26, our plan would be to look at those service gaps, but also the seven townships that don’t have service in Delta County, and come up with a proposal to service, to fix all of that at once. (The) seven townships that aren’t being served, plus look at probably (adding) some evening and/or weekend hours,” Stapleton said.

Despite being located between Gladstone and Escanaba, Wells is not within DATA’s service area, as there is no local millage to fund it.

DATA originally placed a county-wide proposal on the 2022 ballot, but pulled it, citing the amount of uncertainty at the time due to COVID-19 and other global events.

“We pulled that proposal back because we thought it was really poor time,” he said.

DATA also put out a survey and determined, based on the sample size, that the greatest need for service is on Saturdays, followed by Sundays, and then evenings.

Stapleton also shared that funding from the state is becoming more and more scarce.

“Transit systems in the state of Michigan; we’ve been cut a good 25 percent in the last three years. So our funding’s going backwards. It’s not an Escanaba problem. This is a statewide problem,” he said.

Besides DATA, there are a few other options for service, but they are few and far between, as well as a specific type of transportation.

For medical transportation, those insured under the Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) medicaid program can request rides to a medical facility for free. However, one attendee pointed out that those rides must be scheduled at least five days in advance.

Mike McDonald, a local Uber driver, was in attendance and offered Uber as part of the solution, but he is one of the few local Uber drivers. Uber also does not accept cash, so residents who primarily use cash would need a credit card to use Uber.

One attendee suggested getting a pre-paid credit card at a local store to use for Uber if they prefer not to sign up for a credit or debit card.

Representatives from Checker Transport, a transportation service based out of Marquette, also attended the meeting.

Checker is currently servicing rides from the Delta County Airport, but is interested in expanding its services to Delta County.

Checker Transportation Director Maddy Lefebvre said nothing is set in stone, but the company is looking to expand in Delta County.

Checker currently has a transportation survey available, gauging interest in the needs of local residents in the county. The survey can be found at https://form.jotform.com/251195029965162.

A representative from Get a Cab, which services Iron Mountain and Marinette, attended, as they are interested in expanding into Escanaba. Like Checker, nothing is set in stone as Get a Cab gathers information and gauges public interest.

Those who feel lost or need help finding transportation can contact the DATA Mobility Manager, who can offer guidance.

“Our mobility manager at DATA would be a good contact if you’re trying to figure out what options are there,” Stapleton said.

He added that DATA is willing to work with other agencies or transportation providers, such as Uber or Checker, to provide transportation.

“Our mobility manager isn’t just for DATA. It’s Indian trails, it’s for you know, Checkers, for Uber, it’s for all those. Those are all transportation options,” he said.

Stapleton also wanted to get the word out about the DATA app, as many are unaware of its existence. Riders can use the app to access rides and other information. It isn’t available in app stores, but Stapleton said if a person calls DATA, a representative can send them a link and set them up.

While it could take 12 to 18 months for DATA to get to the level of service the public wants, Stapleton is hopeful that companies like Uber, Checker, and others can help fill the gap in service.

“We want to be part of the solution. It’s going to take some time,” he said.

DATA can be contacted at (906) 786-1187.