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Michigan Roads Package: Some Silver Linings, But Major Dark Clouds

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The Michigan Legislature finally passed a “Roads Funding” package of bills which the Governor has said he will sign into law. Unfortunately, the package was really the least they could do, the very least.

There are a few silver linings in the package, including $60 million a year for Michigan’s transit agencies, adjustments for inflation, and more flexibility for Detroit to invest in transit.

But it also has some mayor dark clouds, including long delays before implementation, only half of the funding from new revenue, and threats to other budget priorities in years to come.

Read on for more details.

Michigan Roads Package: Some Silver Linings, But Major Dark Clouds Read More »

Vice President Biden Helps DDOT Reach 100% Pull-Out

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Vice President Joe Biden came to Detroit, echoing what TRU has long said, that “Transportation is the single biggest factor allowing people to move up the economic ladder.”

Mayor Duggan thanked Biden for his help in Detroit getting federal grants for 80 new DDOT buses which are now all on the road, enabling DDOT to finally run 100 percent of their scheduled service!

TRU applauds this important progress, yet notes that far more still remains to be done. DDOT must maintain this progress, improve on-time service, and develop a plan for long-term improvement, in coordination with regional partners.

Vice President Biden Helps DDOT Reach 100% Pull-Out Read More »

Help engage the region in telling the RTA Why Transit Matters!

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The Regional Transit Authority is developing a regional transit plan that will shape transit improvements in the next year, 2 years, 5 years and 20 years. To develop a great plan, they need input from people all throughout the region. To engage the breadth of the region, we need your help!!
1) Share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns with the RTA!
2) Mobilize your friends and family to comment to the RTA!
3) Volunteer with TRU at fairs, festivals, and other community events!

We’ve launched a friendly contest to encourage greater participation and engagement! This contest will last from June 15 – September 15 with fun prizes throughout. Click for details.

Help engage the region in telling the RTA Why Transit Matters! Read More »

Michigan Senate Passed Mediocre Transportation Funding Package

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The Michigan Senate voted July 1 on their alternative to a transportation funding package, passing it with mostly Republicans votes. While far better than the House version, it remains insufficient.

We applaud that it would provide roughly $80 million more a year for transit, but are concerned that transit gets only 5% of the total funding and only budget priorities are threatened.

We strongly urge the legislature to improve upon the Senate version and reject the House version, providing sufficient stable funding to our full transportation system without gutting other state budget priorities.

Michigan Senate Passed Mediocre Transportation Funding Package Read More »

Tell MDOT to Fix I-94 but NOT Widen It

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MDOT is seeking public input on their proposed $1.9 billion overhaul and widening of I-94 through midtown and the east side of Detroit, including redesigning the interchanges with I-96, M-10, and I-75.

You have an opportunity to share your opinions at a series of open-house style Public Meetings hosted by MDOT on Tuesday July 14 and Thursday July 16.

While TRU supports reconstruction of the old infrastructure including I-94, we and others have serious concerns about the project’s scope and magnitude of the project. We recommended critical changes:
1) No Expansion – no new travel lanes or service drives
2) Maintain and Improve Walkability, instead of removing 11 bridges!
3) Preserve Urban Fabric and Historic Buildings
4) Fully Evaluate Impacts and Alternatives – complete a “Supplemental EIS” and consider how transit could alleviate peak traffic on I-94.

Tell MDOT to Fix I-94 but NOT Widen It Read More »