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TRU’s Take: Fixing the Transit System that Failed “The Walking Man”

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One year ago, the failure of the Detroit region’s public transit system drew national and even international attention and scorn when the Detroit Free Press ran a feature story on James Robertson’s 21-mile walk to work. And rightfully so. His commute spotlighted some of the worst gaps in our region’s public transit.

Over the past year, our region has taken some important steps forward, restoring some 24-hour service and exploring seemless cross-county service.

Yet far more remains to be done. Until then, the thousands of James Robertsons of our region will continue to struggle with the most basic travel to work and other necessities.

TRU’s Take: Fixing the Transit System that Failed “The Walking Man” Read More »

TRU's Take: Fixing the Transit System that Failed “The Walking Man”

, , , ,

One year ago, the failure of the Detroit region’s public transit system drew national and even international attention and scorn when the Detroit Free Press ran a feature story on James Robertson’s 21-mile walk to work. And rightfully so. His commute spotlighted some of the worst gaps in our region’s public transit.
Over the past year, our region has taken some important steps forward, restoring some 24-hour service and exploring seemless cross-county service.
Yet far more remains to be done. Until then, the thousands of James Robertsons of our region will continue to struggle with the most basic travel to work and other necessities.

TRU's Take: Fixing the Transit System that Failed “The Walking Man” Read More »

The State of Detroit Area Transit: Limited yet Improving

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The State of Detroit Transit is Improving!

After many years of struggle and decline, public transit is finally starting to get better. It’s far from good enough, with too many people still waiting for late buses or left completely without options. Yet improvements are coming and the future looks bright.

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is actively planning rapid transit on Woodward, Gratiot, and Michigan Ave, while also evaluating developing a plan to improve transit through the entire four-county region.

DDOT has made major improvements from their horrendous service a year ago. With new buses and drivers, they are finally providing nearly 100% of their scheduled service, with even more improvements to come.

Read on for more information and details of Detroit area transit progress in 2015.

The State of Detroit Area Transit: Limited yet Improving Read More »

TRU Supports Prop 1 to Fund Michigan Transportation

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TRU supports passage of Prop 1 on May 5, 2015 because it will increase funding for public transit and other transportation needs without harming schools, cities, low-income families, or other important budget priorities.

While it is a complex proposal that is not anyone’s ideal solution, Michigan will be better off if it passes than if it fails. That is the most critical evaluation of any proposal.

Prop 1 will provide essential funding for important priorities:

Prop 1 will provide $115 million per year in funding for public transit agencies throughout Michigan above current levels, once fully implemented.
Of that, over $50 million a year will support DDOT and SMART (together), likely enabling expanded bus service for seniors, low-income workers, and other riders.

TRU Supports Prop 1 to Fund Michigan Transportation Read More »