In Lansing, the Michigan Senate passed a series of bills that would create a regional transit authority for Detroit and its surrounding counties. The authority would be responsible for coordinating and improving transit service in the Metro Detroit region. The House of Representatives could vote on the bill this month. This is a monumental step toward making transit service in Michigan more efficient and much more effective.
The outcome of the recent local election signaled hope for many Traverse City families that improvements are possible along a dangerous thoroughfare that cuts through town.
This month, two regional transportation agencies launched a partnership that makes it easier for riders to travel between Benzie County and Traverse City while leaving their cars at home. The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) and the Benzie Transportation Authority (Benzie Bus) teamed up to offer a new connection service that allows Benzie Buses to transfer riders to BATA buses at Ric’s Food Center in Interlochen beginning Nov. 1.
The Regional Rider is a monthly update that highlights the efforts to coordinate transit service in the six-county Grand Vision region. This month: Frankfort and TC get a little bit closer; Metro Detroit considers transit authority; coming events; and a new Bruckbauer on the bus.
A speaker at a recent Mackinac Island convention spoke to city leaders from across the state about the long-term costs of big infrastructure investments like big-box stores. Chuck Marohn said they usually create impressive short-term financial gains for cities but almost always ends up crippling them with long-term debt.
On November 6, Traverse City voters will have a chance to take a crucial next step on one of the most important transportation challenges facing our city: Division Street.