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State of Michigan support for mass transit
State of Michigan -
Office of the Governor The United States federal government funds mass transit from the federal tax on fuel. Many states including Michigan provide additional funds. Local communities in southeast Michigan deserve nothing less then strong political leaders who will fight to get federal and state fuel tax funds and industry supports for mass transit. Michigan provides some level of public transportation in all 83 counties. 49 of 84 public transit agencies are locally supported by property tax millages. The remainder are supported by local general funds. http://www.mdot.state.mi.us/uptran/ptd/facts.htm |
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The State of Michigan funds SMART from the Comprehensive Transportation Fund Gasoline Tax + Diesel Fuel Tax + Vehicle Registration Fees + Secondary Fees + Earned Interest Make up the Michigan Transportation Fund of which Ten percent (after administration deduction and deductions for Rail Grade Crossings, Critical Bridge Debt Service, 3% Gas Tax, State Trunkline Bridges and State Trunkline Fund Debt Reduction), plus a percentage of auto-related sales tax revenue make up the Comprehensive Transportation Fund (CTF) -- $238,816,800 in FY 2001-2002-- source Michigan House Fiscal Agency. From this funding the following was paid to support SMART and DDOT, based on statistics from the House Fiscal Agency
Frequent public bus services for downtown Detroit and metro airport with the utilization of existing tax dollars and policies can be achieved. For those who support Proposal S and mass transit, it is only fair to make SMART more affordable on its own with existing funds including local sources first before taxes are increased again. |
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SMART property tax renewal / increase ~ Proposal S ~ Vote August 2018
This is presently the local property tax on housing and rents, which are collected by city hall. The primary reason why SMART no longer qualifies for federal fuel tax grants for regional bus routes is because the amount of money collected at the fare box in relationship to both state and local operating funds is low or no longer exists. This tax is a failure because we no longer pay based on our individual ability to protect federal and state fuel tax money and the free market system. Thus it is best to cap, put a ceiling on, restrict and limit this charitable cause. Raising new taxes and increasing local operating subsidies for both mass transit and road improvements will cost Michigan jobs unless alternate facilities for those who cannot drive are provided at reasonable and competitive costs. The next time you go to a baseball game, a concert, a casino, visit downtown Detroit --- why not ride the bus? And support this website and the work of others*(1) who want to stop the senseless freeway expansions.
*(1) Transportation Riders United ~ Click Here
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