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Back to ~ Alternatives to replacing fuel taxes and user fees 24/7 public bus service is most essential |
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The results of the demographic analysis*** in this website proves full bus service into the international airport can largely pay for itself and even make a profit. SMART and the proponents of the "20 year Master Plan" below financially assist the prohibition of much wanted and profitable bus services and those along major transportation corridors including the downtown and many large suburbs. *** Please see "The abolition of state revenue sharing for mass transit in Michigan"
(start of statement) In November 2016, voters were asked to adopt a 1.2 mill property tax increase to finance the 20 year Master Plan. There was broad based support for the initiative. Dozens of regional institutions, organizations, and business leaders endorsed the effort. Despite the broad base of support, the voters of the region rejected the proposal by a 1% margin (18,000 votes) a sobering outcome for the coalition that worked so hard on this initiative. The RTA has been reviewing comments and soliciting feedback to develop a comprehensive understanding of how we can adjust our efforts moving forward to lead to a successful outcome. The RTA so far learned the limitations of the revenue source and the need to more fully address outer edge and rural communities, to broaden outreach strategy, and to capitalize more on transportation innovations. The RTA Board of Directors and staff remain absolutely committed to this goal and will enter in to a Board Retreat in May to tackle many key questions we have heard from the public, such as timing for another RTA ballot initiative, adjustments of the Master Plan, options for sustaining the RTA administratively, and a new vision for community outreach and engagement to solicit public input. (end of statement) It's time to support a real solution to make mass transit work, as follows...
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