Gov Snyder makes major proposals that would improve transit

Give yourself a big pat on the back, transit supporters! Governor Delivering petitions to the Lt. Gov.

Snyder clearly heard and understood the message we’ve been sending him.

In his big transportation address yesterday, Governor Snyder announced four major proposals that could substantially improve Detroit area transit (and around the state):

1) Adjust the gas tax to provide more revenue over time

The gas tax provides much of state revenue for transit (and roads and more) but depends on the gallons of gas sold, so hasn’t increased in several years. Gov. Snyder proposed switching to a wholesale percentage-based gas tax that would provide more transportation revenue as prices went up over time. TRU supports this proposal, assuming transit gets 10% as the state constitution allows.

2) Create a Regional Transit Authority

Governor Snyder called for the creation of a Regional Transit Authority to coordinate and expand transit services throughout southeast Michigan. He recognized that it must have real teeth and provide permanent dedicated regional funding. TRU strongly supports an RTA, however details matter, so we look forward to helping work out the details of how it will be governed and funded and how it will oversee DDOT and SMART.

3) New High Speed Bus Routes
Gov Snyder’s proposal for new rolling rapid transit along Woodward, Gratiot and out to the airport and Ann Arbor have enormous potential. This could provide great transit service and help launch real rapid transit to key destinations. It must be well-funded and well coordinated with existing bus service to be successful.

4) New local transportation funding options
Gov. Snyder wants to give local regions more options for funding transportation projects, such as a local vehicle registration fee. While that fee may not provide enough transit funding, especially if it’s for roads too, Michigan regions definitely need new ways to fund transit service. We look forward to helping identify additional local funding options to ensure our communities have the transit funding tools they need.

TRU strongly supports these ideas and look forward to working with the Governor and the legislature to make these ideas become reality and help revitalize our communities.

These are just a few of the issues he addressed. Read the Governor’s full message and his press release summary online

In addition to these proposals, we must also address the financial crises of the current transit providers. DDOT, SMART, and DPM need help from the state for both more funding and for more options for local funding of transit service. Unfortunately the Governor did not directly address these issues.