Opinion | Michigan needs state investment to keep public transit moving

Public transportation in Michigan is once again on people’s minds, as groups ranging from the Growing Michigan Together Council to climate workgroups to business leaders have called for improvements to Michigan’s transit systems. This spring, a bipartisan group of legislators from across our state joined a new public transit caucus to work on solutions for Michigan, which has long failed to adequately invest in transit systems. We have also seen regular announcements of new federal grants that would pilot innovative transit programs in Michigan communities. As current transit leaders in our state, we are proud of the work that our agencies do every day.

Still, despite signs of progress, the stark reality is that Michigan’s public transit agencies face a deepening crisis; one that threatens the ability of Michiganders – including our family members, neighbors, coworkers, and others – to access essential rides. While Michigan has well-established transit providers across its 83 counties, these agencies have seen their state operations funding drop to its lowest share in history. This state funding — called Local Bus Operating — plays a key role in supplementing funds from federal programs, transportation contracts, local millages, and fareboxes. These funds help pay for transit employees’ wages and benefits, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and facilities, all of which keep buses on the road and our communities moving forward.

Yet, even as transportation costs have risen, the state of Michigan has failed to fully fund local bus operations as provided by law, leaving transit agencies understaffed and facing potential service cuts. These challenges are especially acute in Michigan’s rural and lower-income communities, where members of aging populations increasingly rely on public transit to access medical appointments, social services, food oases, human connections and community resources — often across great distances. Some local transit agencies have been forced to raise their regular fares to $6 or more per trip — a cost not easily borne by riders on a fixed income. These strains are already severe and are growing worse by the month.

Furthermore, under Michigan’s current funding structure, growth in transit spending in one area can actually diminish the availability of state funds for other providers. As local officials in Southeast Michigan and other areas continue to work toward expanding regional transit services, it’s important for state leaders to ensure that funding will be available to preserve and support transit operations across all communities.

We know that thriving regions are those that invest in transportation for all citizens, from students attending schools of choice or tech centers, to seniors who remain healthy and independent, thanks to public transit. Millennials and Gen Z professionals increasingly reject car ownership in favor of public transit. Residents from underserved populations gain access to good-paying local jobs, proving that public transit removes barriers and serves as an economic driver. Numerous studies and pilot programs have demonstrated the viability and value of expanded public transit in our state. But it’s crucial that our legislature act to avert our transit funding crisis and provide for ongoing operations.

We call on the Legislature to restore Local Bus Operating funding levels in the current year to avoid potentially disastrous transit service cuts. We also call on the legislature to reach an agreement on a proposed economic development package that includes the largest sustained transit funding in our state’s history — funding that could enable transformative new projects while maintaining current services. Lastly, we agree that our state must find a meaningful long-term solution to our transportation funding model and the declining revenues that jeopardize not only our roads and bridges but also our local transit options.

In the November election, Michigan residents across the political spectrum overwhelmingly voiced support at the ballot box for their local transit systems. Now, it is up to the legislature and Governor Whitmer to do their part to ensure that Michigan residents maintain their access to public transportation services and reap benefits from new transit opportunities.