Michigan Transportation Funding Task Force recommends doubling transit funding

The Michigan Transportation Funding Task Force Monday released their report recommending a major investment in our state’s transportation network:

"The Task Force could reach only one conclusion. More investment in transportation is absolutely needed. Much more. . . In Michigan, we need to at least double our current investment in transportation.

"For passenger transportation, a “good” investment level will allow transit agencies . . . greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles. . . . It will allow implementation of long-overdue travel alternatives, such as commuter rail and light rail in Southeast Michigan and bus rapid transit in Grand Rapids. It will provide urban travel options that make Michigan cities more attractive to business and residents. . . . The “better” investment level would accomplish even more."

Here are the investment scenarios for intermodal passenger transportation (including transit):

If we "do nothing," the state will provide just $241 million a year,
- losing 3,516 jobs.
A "good" investment would provide $773 million a year, which would
- create 35,100 jobs and
- leverage $4.3 billion in other benefits.
A "better" investment would provide $1.3 billion a year, which would
- create 59,000 jobs and
- leverage $7.5 billion in other benefits.

The report provides a broad list of possible ways to raise the necessary funding, including:

Adjust motor fuel taxes by either increasing the tax or converting it from cents per gallon to percent of sales price
Increase the state sales tax by one percent and dedicate the additional revenue to transportation (constitutional amendment required)
Enable a broad spectrum of local revenue options to local / county agencies

We’ve also posted a more detailed summary online. You can download the executive summary, the funding alternatives, or the full report from www.Michigan.gov/TF2.

Once you’ve read the report, we need to make sure the legislators read it and act on it! These are just recommendations, until the legislature acts. The Michigan Municipal League and Progress Michigan have both set up great tools for either calling or emailing your legislators. While talking points are provided, you should share your own thoughts about why it is so important to invest in transit. Urge your legislators to act now, before the end of the year!

Then come to a meeting Wednesday evening, 6pm, at the TRU office to push for a new transit vision and smart transit policy.