The next big step for transit

This Detroit Free Press editorial says regional transit faces hurdles, like Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson's opposition, but it could get a big win if a bill is passed later this month to establish a Regional Transit Authority for southeast Michigan.

Excerpt:

State House representatives are set to vote later this month on bills establishing a Regional Transit Authority for southeast Michigan -- an overdue measure for developing a mass transit system and putting metro Detroit in a position to compete for federal transportation funds. The new authority, however, must operate in a truly regional way -- by majority instead of unanimous vote -- and not allow one county or city to veto progress for southeast Michigan.

Legislators should work out remaining differences and approve these bills pronto. John Hertel, CEO of the Regional Transit Coordinating Council, will resign May 3 to become general manager of SMART, the suburban bus system. Ideally, the transit bills should reach Gov. Jennifer Granholm's desk shortly thereafter, so that the new authority can get up and running this year and maintain the momentum on transit. The new authority should also raise the profile of transit in the upcoming gubernatorial race.

Read the entire article here.