Mass transit speeds up in Metro Detroit

Thursday, January 28, 2010 | Source: metromode

Mass transit is gaining speed in Metro Detroit. This time it's about the possible expansion of SMART and the progress of the Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter rail line.

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments still expects to launch the Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter rail line by October. It has reached an agreement with the railroads that own the tracks on the proposed line and is working out further details for the project. It also has nailed down $3.5 million in federal funding and hopes to get more soon.

At the same time, the Oakland County suburb of Keego Harbor is considering joining the SMART transit system for the first time. A local group of residents is pushing for the municipality's inclusion so bus services can be expanded to the small town. Local officials are considering the proposal. Oakland County has an opt-out clause that allows communities that don't want to be involved in SMART to opt out.

"There is a chance for a community to join or leave," says Megan Owens, executive director of Transportation Riders United. Earlier this month, Farmington Hills toyed with the idea of leaving SMART but instead city officials decided to let voters make the decision in the election this August.

The mass transit advocate is also holding a Transit Action Conference between 1-6 p.m. Saturday at the Michigan State University Detroit Center, 3408 Woodward, south of Mack. The event will feature transit updates, TRU Board elections, and opportunities to get involved in making comprehensive transportation options a reality for Metro Detroit.

TRU is also looking for an organizer/assistant director. Potential candidates should have a passion for mass transit and motivation to help improve the transportation options in southeast Michigan. For information, click here.

Source: Megan Owens, executive director of Transportation Riders United and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
Writer: Jon Zemke