The newly created Michigan Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Governing Board held an orientation workshop today and began their work to coordinate public transportation across the City of Detroit and throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw counties.
The ten-member board will develop a single master transit plan for the region, establish policies to coordinate service between existing transit providers, become eligible for federal and state funding, and ultimately develop bus rapid transit service via four main corridors.
“A comprehensive and modern public transit system will help set the groundwork for a sound and efficient infrastructure – attracting jobs and moving Michigan’s economy forward,” Governor Rick Snyder said. “With hard work and a collaborative effort between the community, elected leaders and many organizations, regional transit can become the backbone that supports our economic revival.”
After several decades and 23 failed legislative attempts, the governor signed legislation late last year establishing the RTA. Southeast Michigan had been the largest metropolitan area in the country without a high capacity rapid transit service, and without public transit service to its major airport.
RTA Governing Board:
Governor’s Representative: Paul Hillegonds, Chairman
City of Detroit: Lisa Franklin
Macomb County: Julie Gatti, Roy Rose
Oakland County: Steven Potter, Matthew Wirgau
Washtenaw County: Elisabeth Gerber, Richard Murphy
Wayne County: Mark Gaffney, Dr. Curtis Ivery
“Safe, reliable and coordinated transit will allow Metro Detroit to compete for federal dollars, new businesses, and young professionals that can choose to live anywhere,” said Board Chairman Paul Hillegonds. “The RTA’s work will help the region’s four million residents remain in their communities while improving access to their workplace, education, entertainment and services.”