After a few days of shock and outrage, we at TRU started figuring out what to do about Mayor Bing’s plans to cancel Woodward Light Rail and jumped into action.
We sent a letter to Mayor Bing, Governor Snyder, and Secretary LaHood voicing our opposition to this decision and explaining our position:
- Detroit needs light rail on Woodward, hopefully the full 9-miles, but 3.5 miles may be better than nothing.
- We also need bus-rapid transit to provide essential regional connections, but not in place of light rail.
- The legislature must pass a Regional Transit Authority to coordinate and oversee all transit in the region. It must work democratically, not give any one community or board member veto power over important regional decisions.
- The legislature must also provide more options for funding transit locally, because none of this can succeed without funding.
- And we must maintain vital local bus service no matter what. A hundred thousand people depend on our buses every day!
This was also shared with the M-1 investors, local members of Congress, the media and others. We’re also preparing a more detailed policy paper. Stay tuned for that.
We’ve also been focused on responding in the media, clarifying the difference between light rail and bus rapid transit, explaining what has been done, and voicing our outrage at this decision. Here’s some of the media coverage we’ve been interview for or otherwise quoted in:
- Free Press Guest commentary by TRU Director: Region needs rapid bus lines AND light rail
- Channel 7 WXYZ News’ Spotlight on the News interview with Chuck Stokes
- to air this Sunday 12/25 at 9:30am
- Detroit News article Bing fires back at business leaders, defends expanded bus transit
- MLive Woodward Light Fail: Detroit rail plan scrapped in favor of bus rapid transit, regional authority
- Michigan Radio (NPR) Report: Light rail plan in Detroit has been scrapped in favor of a bus system
- Channel 7 WXYZ TV News Detroit’s light rail plan derailed, bus alternative discussed
- Crain’s Detroit Business: Private investors, downtown leaders urge continued support for Detroit light rail
- Huffington Post: Woodward Light Rail Line Canceled In Favor Of Rapid Bus System
We’re also working on a factsheet that will explain the differences between light rail, bus-rapid transit, express buses and regular buses, since there appears to be a substantial lack of understanding among regional leaders, media, and public alike. Our friends at Wake Up Washtenaw have prepped some good info that we’re incorporating.
Stay tuned for lots more to come!