Join TRU, MPTA, and other allies in our fight to boost transit funding at our big Transit Day at the Capitol!
Michigan legislators have so much power to decide our transportation system. If we want a transportation system that works for all Michiganders, they need to hear from you!
TRU and allies from all across Michigan are working to bring over a hundred people together to tell state policymakers how essential transit is for Michiganders and why they need to boost funding for transit.
Help us convince policymakers to:
- Boost transit funding for all of Michigan’s 77 local bus agencies to maintain critical service Michiganders depend on
- Launch a Coast-to-Coast express bus connecting Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids at least 6 times a day
- Double Indian Trails coach bus service Up-North.
- Maximize all allowable transit funding sources.
- Pass a law to keep our transit workers safe.
Can’t attend? Call in! Let’s make March 12 a Transit Day of Action!
We know not everyone can take a whole day to go to the State Capitol. But you can still make your voice heard.
If you can’t attend, please take 15 minutes to make 5 calls to tell Michigan policymakers. Tell them: “I’m a Michigander and I want better public transit for our state. Please commit to increase Michigan’s investment in public transit this year.”
- Call your state representative.
- Call your state senator.
- Call the Governor’s office at 517-335-7858.
- Call Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks at 517-373-1801.
- Call House Speaker Matt Hall at 517-373-1784.
And please urge your friends and family to speak out for public transit funding too: Share on social media and directly to your friends all throughout the state. Help us mobilize 1000 calls on March 12!
With 100 voices in person and another 1000 calls to the capitol, we can demand transit get the support our state needs!
When? Thursday, March 12th, 2026
- Most activities will occur between 9am-3pm at the Capitol
- We’ll provide a charter bus from Detroit, leaving from TechTown at 7am and returning by 6pm.
- We’ll also help coordinate carpools from other locations, as needed
- State policymakers will make presentations over breakfast and lunch
- Optional Transit on Tap social gathering 3-5pm at Kelly’s Downtown. Please RSVP.
Where? Michigan State Capitol
- Large group activities will take place in Heritage Hall, the Capitol’s visitor center
- Transit buses and vans will be parked all around the Capitol
Who?
The Transit Day at the Capitol is jointly led by the Michigan Public Transit Association and Transportation Riders United, along with many transit agency, union, and advocate group. Past participants have included members of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Disability Advocates of Kent County, Detroit People’s Platform, Climate Cabinet, and other bus riders and advocates.
Anyone from across Michigan who supports our goals is welcome to attend but MUST register beforehand – deadline extended to Wed March 4. Transit agencies are registering through MPTA; advocates, workers, and allies register through TRU. If you have not participated in the past, you must also attend a training webinar March 11 at either 12noon or 7pm.
Logistics:
- Lunch, materials, and matching Fund Public Transit shirts and bus pins will be provided
- Donations are much appreciated to cover these costs.
- IF you register by March 4, TRU will arrange and coordinate:
- Carpools – at least from metro Detroit, maybe from elsewhere; with wheelchair accessible vehicles
- Training on our priority issues and how to talk with your legislators
- Scheduled meetings with your legislators
- Contact [email protected] with questions about logistics
