In 2025, we fought hard for IPAF funding (aka transformational transit funding). Because of the work of advocates, drivers, riders, unions, partner organizations, legislators, and the executive audience, over $65M a year from 2026 to 2030 for capital transit projects was won. This week, MDOT announced the first round of awardees! Read below to see new services and studies we can expect
IPAF: $65M a year for Transformational Transit
IPAF (Infrastructure Projects Authority Funding) is a specific pool of MDOT funds that can be used for “transformational transit projects”. These projects are meant to truly transform how we get around a region, including new services, express buses between cities and airports, BRT, and other improvements not covered by LBO funding. Every year, transit agencies can submit a proposal for projects, and MDOT will decide which projects to fund. IPAF is set to last through 2030, and funding is available for any local transit provider in the state (only excluding Intercity Bus and Amtrak Rail Service).
New & Expanded Bus Service
4 Michigan counties will implement new rural countywide transit service! These include Delta, Oscoda, Montmorency, and Newaygo counties. While some of these were already receiving funds from local support, the Newaygo project includes a brand new transit authority in our state. Berrien County will also have a new countywide transit authority, a major win to replace the historically segregated seperate transit services between St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. Additionally, The Rapid will begin new late night event transit services, including DASH downtown shuttle service, fixed route buses, and microtransit; and I-Go in Ionia will have two new routes.
Outside of these major bus service are expansions, Harbor Transit in Grand Haven will have a major service hours expansion, TheRapid is opening new late night & events transit service, and I-Go in Ionia will have two new routes.
Studying BRT & Transit Priority
TheRide announced a Washtenaw/Huron/Jackson Bus Rapid Transit in Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti, and the RTA will use funds to improve transit priority downtown. The RTA project could include transit lanes, improved wayfinding, or priority for transit at stop lights. Funding for both of these projects is for study purposes and to get the ball rolling, and implementation is further down the road; however, we’re excited to see them implemented one day!
New People Mover Cars
The People Mover is using funds to refurbish rail cars bought from Toronto’s recently closed Line 4 Subway. Detroit, Vancouver, and (formerly) Toronto are the only transit systems in the world that use the same cars as the People Mover, and the manufacturer is out of business. Refurbishing these used cars will provide like-new replacements for the aging People Mover cars we currently have.
Regional Services
A major initiative between Genesee (MTA), Saginaw (STARS), Shiawassee (SATA), and Lapeer (GLTA) counties will seek to connect their counties. Dubbed “Transit Without Borders”, the proposal would include coordinated transit services, a regional fare structure, and internal technological cooperation to make cross-country travel more reliable.
Additionally, STARS will work on a connection between Midland, Delta College, SVSU, and their regional airport. Harbor Transit in Grand Haven is also planning a new regional connection to GVSU.
New Microtransit Services
Two new microtransit services will be included with IPAF funds. One is a brand new service by CATA for MSU’s campus. Dubbed “Campus Connect”, this service will be open to anyone, providing service across MSU’s entire campus during times when fixed-route bus service is unavailable, including weekday evenings and nights, and weekends. The service will run throughout the entire night as well.
The other is a major expansion of MTA Flint’s Genesee Connect, which is planning to cover all of Genesee County with a countywide microtransit zone to connect areas not covered by MTA fixed-route service. Currently, their microtransit zone covers much of Grand Blanc township South of Flint. Both services intend for wait times below 30 minutes maximum once a ride is called.
Investments Across Our State, With More to Come!
The IPAF awards show that MDOT is committed to improving transit across our entire state, and these are a large slate of projects! We’re excited to see these implemented, and to see what could be included in next years IPAF funding round. Thank you to everyone who advocated for the “transformational transit funds” with us in Lansing, that made all of these projects possible!
Read more about IPAF projects at MDOT’s website.
