Attention all transit supporters!  Don't miss:

TRU's Annual Meeting on 

Detroit Regional Transit

Despite major transit setbacks in recent months, TRU is still fighting for more and better transit for greater Detroit! Join us January 30 to:

• Learn the latest about Detroit area transit (including bus, rail, and more); 
• Learn
• Hear from special guests Dennis Schornack (Governor’s Special Advisor on Regional Transit) and Rep. Jim Townsend (chair of the SE MI caucus) about the newly introduced Regional Transit Authority legislation;
• Vote on TRU's new Board of Directors (if you are a current member); and 
• Learn lots of different ways to get involved to fix the system!

Next Monday, January 30, 6:00 - 8:30pm
U of M Detroit Center
3663 Woodward (at MLK)

Agenda:

• Registration, member renewal, and refreshments start at 5:45pm
• Welcome and TRU business meeting at 6:15pm
• Detroit Transit overview and TRU Strategic Plan at 6:30pm
• Regional Transit presentations and Q&A at 7:15pm
• Opportunities to get involved and sign up at 8:00pm

Please RSVP to (313) 963-8872 or TRUmember@DetroitTransit.org

Because of our region's odd system of letting each city council or township board decide whether to be part of the SMART bus system, we have an difficult patchwork of transit service throughout the suburbs.  And it's about to get even odder.

Last week, the Farmington City Council decided to quit the SMART bus system, despite overwhelming support for SMART in last year's election. According to the Free Press:

"It was a tough decision, but SMART just wasn't working for us," City Councilman Greg Cowley said. "All of us believe in regional transportation. But what SMART offers is really not a regional solution. The prime example is, of the more than 60 communities in Oakland County, only 23 are in SMART and the remainder have opted out," Cowley said. Many of those in the crowd said they depended on the bus system.

Many expected Farmington Hills to follow suit.  But after five hours of passionate public testimony in support of SMART, the FH City Council voted 4-3 to stay in SMART (or at least to give their voters the option to continue to support it, which they've done overwhelmingly in the past).  According to the Free Press:

Mayor Barry Brickner, who voted with the majority to stay in SMART, said dozens of visitors to the council meeting spoke in support of the service and only one spoke against it.  He said bus service will continue to be spotty in Oakland County, and that "all of us are waiting for legislation in Lansing to clarify transit for the whole region."

At least they both agree on the need for a better regional transit solution!  Hey Lansing, are you listening?!?

Governor Snyder has pledged to make southeast Michigan regional transit a top priority in 2012, said the Detroit News.

Then this evening, he included the need for a Regional Transit Authority in his State of the State address.  While he gave it just a few moments in the speach, he top staff continue to highlight the importance.

New Regional Transit Authority bills will be introduced next week, so get ready for some strong advocacy work to make sure they pass!

The Troy Transit Center is back.

Last night, the Troy City Council reconsidered the Troy Transit Center and approved a scaled down $6.3 million plan. 

As the Free Press reported,

"By a narrow vote of 4-3, the seven-member council gave the go-ahead for the project that regional boosters of metro Detroit said was needed and that Snyder called “good for Michigan” as well as “important for the people and the economic future of Troy.” 

The three "no" voters, led by Troy's new mayor Janice Daniels -- a longtime activist in the Troy Tea Party -- stuck with their contention that the project was a waste of tax dollars, although Troy City Hall would not be footing the bill.

The lower cost was aimed at overcoming the key objection of Councilman Wade Fleming, who said last month he could approve the center only if it cost no more than about $6 million." 

TRU applauds the supportive councilmembers, vocal activists, and especially the Troy Chamber of Commerce, led by Michele Hodges, for their hard work and passionate drive to make this transit center a reality.

TRU is seeking smart, enthusiastic students and others to get actively involved in improving public transit thoughout greater Detroit.

If that is you then TRU is the place for you to do your internship.

The Internships that we offer are: Business Engagement, Senior Mobility Outreach, Fundraising Event, Design & Marketing, Community Outreach, Faces of Transit /Story Teller and Social Media / Web.

From our friends at SMART:

Every New Year we make resolutions to be healthier, save money or to be more environmentally aware. Why not achieve all three goals by riding SMART? You'll save money on gas, you'll free yourself from the headache of driving and you'll contribute to fewer polluting emissions in the air.
 
Be ready for this New Year by planning your routes ahead of time. Use the SMART Trip Planner to map out your route so you're ready to ride. If you don't live near a bus stop, don't worry, try one of our many park and ride lots! Keep your resolution going strong and purchase a SMART bus pass for added convenience and commitment to riding SMART.
 
SMART offers first-rate and convenient commuter service into the city of Detroit during peak morning and afternoon rush hours. Nearly 70% of SMART riders' destinations are work or school and more than 50% of riders choose the bus over their own vehicle.
 
See our convenient Rider Guide for easy, comprehensive help on scheduling and planning your route. For more information, talk with an operator to guide you through your trip planning process at (866) 962-5515.

 
Make a New Years Resolution you CAN keep!
Be Healthier, Go Green, Save Green...Take SMART! 

What do you think of the job SEMCOG is doing planning southeast Michigan's transportation?

• Major federal investments promise to drastically improve Michigan’s passenger rail network,
  • Yet Mayor Bing has canceled the Woodward Light Rail project.
• Governor Snyder has been bringing together top leaders to improve regional transit,
  • While many bus riders are being left stranded by DDOT problems and SMART cuts.

After a few days of shock and outrage, we at TRU started figuring out what to do about Mayor Bing's plans to cancel Woodward Light Rail and jumped into action.

We sent a letter to Mayor Bing, Governor Snyder, and Secretary LaHood voicing our opposition to this decision and explaining our position:

• Detroit needs light rail on Woodward, hopefully the full 9-miles, but 3.5 miles may be better than nothing.

• We also need bus-rapid transit to provide essential regional connections, but not in place of light rail.

• The legislature must pass a Regional Transit Authority to coordinate and oversee all transit in the region.  It must work democratically, not give any one community or board member veto power over important regional decisions.

• The legislature must also provide more options for funding transit locally, because none of this can succeed without funding.

• And we must maintain vital local bus service no matter what.  A hundred thousand people depend on our buses every day!

• Free Press Guest commentary by TRU Director: Region needs rapid bus lines AND light rail
• Channel 7 WXYZ News' Spotlight on the News interview with Chuck Stokes
  
  • to air this Sunday 12/25 at 9:30am
• Detroit News article Bing fires back at business leaders, defends expanded bus transit
• MLive Woodward Light Fail: Detroit rail plan scrapped in favor of bus rapid transit, regional authority
• Michigan Radio (NPR) Report: Light rail plan in Detroit has been scrapped in favor of a bus system
• Channel 7 WXYZ TV News Detroit's light rail plan derailed, bus alternative discussed
  
• Crain's Detroit Business: Private investors, downtown leaders urge continued support for Detroit light rail
• Huffington Post: Woodward Light Rail Line Canceled In Favor Of Rapid Bus System
  

It is with some shock and a great deal of anger that I report that Monday evening, the Troy City Council voted down the Troy Transit Center by 4-3, with Daniels, Fleming, Henderson and Tietz in opposition, and Campbell, McGinnis and Slater in favor.

Our friends at the Troy Chamber are already assessing next steps immediately, beginning with consultation with the Governor's advisers and City staff.  They have committed to march forward in creating a viable and sustainable economy.

Allies in the business community had strongly supported the transit center and have expressed outrage at this decision:

"Mayor Daniels seems to regard herself as taking the high road, but what she has really done is subvert the interests of Troy to satisfy her own ideology with regard to national politics. It was a selfish and irresponsible act, wholly inconsistent with those two characteristics of great local leadership, devotion to the community and pragmatism."


Frank W. Ervin III, the manager of government affairs for Magna International Inc., said it's disappointing that Troy's legislators are "narrow minded when it comes to the future of Troy and the future of Southeastern Michigan."  He plans to draft a memo to all Magna group presidents and corporate executives "strongly recommending that Magna International no longer consider the City of Troy for future site considerations, expansions or new job creation."

He added that he'll also recommend "that where ever and when ever possible we reduce our footprint and employment level in Troy in favor of communities who act in the best interest of both the residents and business and not simply use their public position to advance their own private agenda."

According to the Michigan Passenger Rail Station Community Benefits Study prepared for MDOT by Grand Valley State University in 2009:

The construction of a (multi-modal) transit station provides not only the direct construction jobs but results in the creation of hundreds of spin off jobs for the local economy.  For example, construction costs of $10 million result in the creation of an estimated 90-140 new jobs and $5 million in additional spending in the local economy.  The study estimates that local communities are the beneficiary of about $15.7 million annual in expenditures by Amtrak passengers using local passenger stations, an equivalent of about $23 for every Amtrak passenger using Michigan stations. 
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Take Action Now!!

As the Free Press reported this evening,

"U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told Detroit Mayor Dave Bing that doubts Detroit could pay operating costs over the long term for the Woodward Light Rail line because of it and the state’s financial problems swayed him against the plan."

“We’re basically throwing away a $3 billion economic development investment,” Owens said. “I’m outraged Mayor Bing would let this happen on his watch.”

Starting today:

• SMART no longer operates buses within Detroit, except rush hours (6-9am and 3-6pm);
• SMART eliminated 15 routes, including half their current downriver / western Wayne service;
• SMART layed off 123 employees; and
• SMART ended several Job Express and Shuttle services.

• Wayne County - Matt Schenk - (313) 224-0286   
• Oakland County - Jerry Poisson - (248) 858-2090 
• Macomb County - Melissa Roy - (586) 469-0781  

As you've probably heard, Troy has been offered an $8.4 million federal grant that will fund a new Multi-Modal Transportation Facility. This station will:

• better service both improved passenger rail and SMART buses,
  
• make Troy more attractive to businesses and residents,
  
• cost Troy almost nothing, and
  
• bring economic development and jobs. 

A similar project in Normal, Illinois, resulted in 375 jobs and $200 million in private investment, including a new hotel and conference center near the station. 

Neither Troy nor Michigan can afford to lose federal investments and the related jobs.  Yet the Troy City Council is seriously considering rejecting the grant and that facility!

As the Detroit News' editorial concluded: "It would be a mistake for Troy to reject a long-planned Amtrak station and transit center."

Our friends at ELPC set up an easy online tool to send a letter to the Troy City Council:

Take Action Now!!

Have you been wondering . . .
What the heck is going on with Detroit area buses!?!

Come to TRU’s winter meeting to find out:

-          Why DDOT earned an F on TRU’s Report Card

-          What Mayor Bing must do to improve DDOT

-          What massive cuts SMART will be instituting

-          How will Gov Snyder’s proposals help bus riders

-          How you can get involved to fix Detroit buses!

Also join us in thanking the fabulous volunteers who helped on our DDOT Report Card and fall fundraiser.

Thursday, December 8, 6:00-8:00pm

at the U of M Detroit Center

(3663 Woodward Ave, at the NW corner of Mack/MLK)

NOTE - NEW LOCATION

Please RSVP to 313-963-8872 or TRUmember@DetroitTransit.org.

According to our friends at the National Alliance of Public Transit Advocates:

Congress needs to focus on passing a long-term robust transportation bill.

The Federal Surface Transportation legislation expired more than two years ago, and since then the programs have been operating under multiple extensions. Millions of Americans rely on public transportation every day, and without access to quality public transportation these people will be left without options. 

As Congress looks for ways to boost the economy, investing in public transportation projects is a great solution.  Tell your Congressmembers to Take Action NOW!

Starting December 12:

• SMART will stop operating buses within Detroit, except rush hours;
• SMART will eliminate 15 routes, including half their current downriver / western Wayne service;
• SMART will lay off 123 employees; and
• SMART will end several Job Express and Shuttle services.