Subscribe to Feed
Michigan in Deep Trouble Without Mass Transit
Posted by dzhuang on August 4, 2008
UPDATES: “House Bill 6114 Could Spark Thousands of Jobs, Billions in Investments Related to New Rapid Transit Systems in Michigan” – Michigan Municipal League, September 23, 2008 (thanks to Roger Martin)
Michiganians are stuck on automobiles in more than one way. Not only is our economy dependent upon the Big 3 automakers, we rely solely on automobiles to get around our state–and now it is taking its toll.
A task force appointed by Governor Granholm recently released a report declaring that Michigan must double spending on roads and bridges otherwise “many will keep deteriorating and become unsafe.” The state spends about $3.2 billion a year on road and bridge maintenance, and now the task force recommends it to spend $6.1 billion a year for “good” conditions or $12.6 billion a year for “better” conditions. It is ridiculous how much taxpayer money goes towards fixing roads. The main propagator for this crisis? The lack of an adequate mass transit system anywhere in the state.
It might just be that the idea of single commuter transit is become embedded in every Michiganian’s mindset. It was once a sign of wealth and power as well as a tribute to the technology that gave them jobs and drove the state’s economy; however, now it is just an outdated method of travel that is more painful nostalgia than anything else. Now is a good time–no, needed time–to let go and say goodbye to the back and forth drive between your home and work, school or friends and say goodbye to the killer gas prices that average about $3.88 a gallon (lower than before but still a burden).
Michiganians have just started smartening up, starting with our governor. Governor Granholm recently decided to take the bus to work instead of drive, shifting the spotlight onto mass transit and its economical benefits. It’s simple really–you ride the bus, you save quite a bit of money from decreased fuel consumption and decreased spending on fuel. Transit ridership out on the West side of the state has risen, demonstrating the growing demand for public transit–and in effect, the need for increased public transit funding to improve Michigan’s public transit systems.
So far, Michigan has barely anything to offer. The only rail system we have is in Detroit, the People Mover, a troublesome and miniature 2.9 mile-long transit system with a pathetic 13 stops. Metro-Detroit has a poor and inefficient bus system and no rail system. Western Michigan has a bus system (though I have no idea about the quality). Ann Arbor and Lansing do as well. I am less clear on other parts of the state.
What we need is a long and connecting light rail system. People always complain about the poverty and grimness of Detroit, but if there was a better mass transit system sprawled across the Metro-Detroit area there would be significant economic improvements. Greater connectedness and ease of transportation mean people would be more likely to travel to Detroit. The areas around the rail system, especially the stations, would have the potential of becoming great business districts; thus, businesses would be attracted by and gravitate back towards Detroit. Jobs would be created in the city, providing more opportunities and hopefully preventing some crimes by decreasing incentives to commit them. Reconstruction and renovation of multiple parts of the torn city could finally be realized.
The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments is holding public meetings to discuss Southeast Michigan’s transportation system. Those would be great times to speak out on such a crucial topic in our state.
Don’t worry, I have not forgotten about the rest of the state either. The Western part of the state is currently interested in linking Grand Haven, Muskegon and Grand Rapids by bus. I think that’s a fantastic idea–regional busing systems could go very far in making it easier for people to travel to work, to friends, etc. Reducing fuel consumption and costs could go a long way for consumers because they have more money to spend elsewhere. Businesses, again, would sprout by bus stations, and there would be significant opportunities for revitalization of some city’s economies.
Fisher Coachworks LLC, an innovative hybrid bus manufacturer aimed at reducing mass transit costs, is a prime example of what kind of companies our state needs. We need public transportation companies to drive a portion of our economic development. A strong alternative energy sector could certainly complement them as well. But it is primarily up to our state government as to what is to be done. They are in charge of the 21st Century Jobs Fund, a fantastic opportunity for us to fund the companies that can put Michigan’s economy back at the top. I certainly hope they make the right decisions.
For more entries on our state’s issues, subscribe to our feed and you will receive our updates! If feeds aren’t your thing, you can also subscribe through e-mail.
Tom said
I have a friend who works for MDOT, and he told me that they are purposely using sub par materials to construct our highways so they will have to repair them sooner, it keeps employment that is already worst in the nation up a little bit higher, but it is a huge waste of money and an unnecessary expense.
3 Ways to Revitalize Michigan’s Economy « Michigan Youth Political Alliance said
[...] and Central Michigan, we could save billions of dollars in road and bridge maintenance. Look here for a previous entry discussing this issue in greater [...]
Kurtis said
Let me see if I understand you right. Why are you in such a hurry to socialize our transportation system? If there was a genuine need for bus transportation someone would offer it. Unless they’re being stopped by onerous federal, state and local regulations. Please, please don’t force me to pay for a massive state program to expand the bus system or build rail service that will be used by very few, who will pay only 1/10th of what it really costs. I’m but a poor person and would like spending to be cut along with my taxes.
dzhuang said
Those are good points you make, and I’ll try to respond the best I can.
The problem is that we have accrued so many road maintenance costs that you’re paying an unnecessary amount now. Public transit systems will actually save money because people would be diverted from roads.
And everyone could definitely use the transit system! There are plans to build in the West, Central and Eastern areas of Michigan. I’m sure it there could be interest in other areas as well.
There is little interest now in the private sector because we are scared of hurting the auto industry even more. The auto industry would definitely try to stop public transit from emerging too to preserve its profits. But Michigan’s economical trends show we can’t rely on the auto industry, which is why a push by the state government would be beneficial.
Lily Li said
I see you’ve managed to ignore Ann Arbor’s Transportation system. The AATA provides movement to and from the downtown area to all the major stores and to Yspi.
They even added a charter bus that goes to and from Chelsea.
The AATA also shows that mass transit efforts need to start from cities. What’s the point of making a mass trail system if people don’t use it? The cities need to start building the infrastructure and the cultural mindset toward public transportation.
It can be easy to use and convenient, if we think of it that way.
dzhuang said
Thanks for the addition! I have seen the buses go by in Ann Arbor, and even though I haven’t been on them, I can tell they’re quite useful.
It’s good see the students and residents feel the same way.
And I agree–the public transit system will probably start from bottom-up instead of top-down. There is too much reluctance at the state-level to do too much about mass transit, so it’ll have to start with local governments, private industries and citizens.
The Real Thing Wrong With Michigan Education « Michigan Youth Political Alliance said
[...] professors to enrich the students’ learning experiences, but instead, our state budget is wasted on something like repairing roads. This demonstrates our state’s unwillingness to compete with other states on education [...]
Roger Martin said
I’m a first-time contributor to the blog. The conversation is intelligent and respectful, with good points being made by many. I look forward to contributing in the future. Some of you may know that a new light rail system is already being planned, and soon will be “officially” announced, for downtown Detroit. This 3.4-mile loop along Woodward between Hart Plaza and roughly Midtown will be built enitrely with private funds. Some of Michigan’s most powerful and respected business leaders are behind this light rail system. In addition, the Detrot Regional Chamber and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the Michigan Municipal League and others, area also working to advance significant rapid transit expansions down the field. SEMCOG and the state Department of Transportation are also planning a 48-mile commuter rail system between Ann Arbor and Detroit. Why now for all of this? Some of you have touched on the skyrocketing price of gasoline, which is one reason. The REAL reasons are jobs and economic development. Michigan business and government leaders are watching how rapid transit systems built over the past 15 years or so in Dallas, Minneapolis, Charlotte, N.C., and St. Louis (and a bit earlier in Portland) are generating thousands of jobs and billions in new business investments near stations along the transit routes. More and more leaders in Michigan, on the political left and right and from business and government, are taking fresh looks at transit. The time is right for many reasons. Let us hope we don’t muck it up like we have so many times in the past. In the interest of full disclosure, we have clients who strongly support a significant transit expansion for all of the reasons mentioned in earlier posts … and we are going to do everything we can to help Michigan get there. In fairness, those who are skeptical about the ability of this state to pull this all off have good reasons to doubt. But again, other cities in other states are doing it. They have cleared similar poltical, financial and policy hurdles, and the jobs and investments are rolling in. It’s time for transit in Michigan, and I hope we can all work together to get it done.
dzhuang said
Thank you for your comments Roger! It would be great to continue to hear from you around the blog, especially since you bring such intelligence and insight to our articles.
Now, addressing what you wrote:
Hearing about the development of a new light rail system in Detroit and the commuter rail through Ann Arbor and Detroit is really exciting! It’s sometimes hard to sing praise about Detroit and Michigan, but the progress of mass transit is definitely something that will bring, as you said, revitalized business, job creation and growth. This move in the right direction is definitely something to be proud of.
However, the recent developments are a little late in the whole scheme of things, especially since other cities constructed their systems long ago, but better late than never. It’s a much-needed push for the economy in a time of economic despair even though it is likely the economic despair is what is finally creating the demand for the system among political and business leaders.
It seems difficult to believe that so many political and business leaders have galvanized behind the mass transit idea recently. While the idea is finally taking concrete roots in tangible plans for the future, I think there will be deep opposition sprouting from Party or the public. Cost will be a major issue even if the government is partnering with businesses, and I know that no one in Michigan wants to be taxed even further. Neither do they want to see their tax money go towards a regional project, affecting only one part of the state. In a time of economic prosperity, there might have not been these concerns, but people are probably much more conservative with their finances nowadays.
In the end, I will certainly continue to push for the completion of these transit systems and the use of them. Maybe I will highlight the status of these developments in a later article. I just want these plans to be accomplished, not to be scrapped mid-way.
Roger Martin said
Thank you for your kind welcome. You are entirely correct that costs will be THE major issue. Others will also raise doubts about the ability of Detroit and the State (and even Grand Rapids) to manage these systems successfully. I’ve been around the transit issue in this state for nearly 25 years, first running into it back in the 1980s when I was a political journalist for one of the major Detroit dailies. I can honestly say there is more momentum for transit now in Michigan, coming from more places, organizations and cities, than ever before. When conservative business organizations such as the Detroit Chamber and Grand Rapids Chamber jump on board, that’s progress. Other major cities in other states have confronted these same issues — enormous costs and doubts about success. In those cities all constituencies have worked through the challenges and built systems that today are generating thousands of jobs and massive business investments. Perhaps most important, many young, college-educated people are telling us they will only live in cities that offer alternatives to driving. If Michigan fails to somehow make transit work, the state’s ability to return to prosperity (high personal income and low unemployment) is in doubt. One important development: On Tuesday, Sept 23, the Detroit Chamber, Grand Rapids Chamber, Michigan Municipal League and others are holding a news conference in Lansing to urge the state Legislature to pass House Bill 6114 before the end of the year. This bill would help jumpstart commercial and residential development around future transit stations in Detroit and Grand Rapids and would also generate some revenues to fund the construction and operations of the stations, without raising taxes. The ball is moving down the field. Hopefully the transit team will score.
Roger Martin said
All: To follow up on the earlier posts on transit, today a news conference was held in Lansing on House Bill 6114, which would jumpstart transit development in Michigan cities. If you support expanding public transit in Michigan, you may want to contact your state lawmakers today and ask them to pass the bill before the end of the year. Here’s a link to a social media news release for any of you who may be interested.
Visit
Roger Martin said
Sorry, I messed up when I tried to put the link to the social media news release in my previous post. Here’s the link (I hope):
http://mmlnewsroom.wordpress.com.
dzhuang said
Wow, you have quite the experience in this field Roger. It’s fantastic to see conservative business groups jumping on board finally. I am extremely excited to see our state making some progress in mass transit! Hopefully, this will revitalize a lot of areas in Michigan currently suffering from economic despair due to the lack of commercial interest.
The point you make about young people demanding mass transit is true. I know plenty of students who would love to be able to take a light rail or a bus to the mall or Ann Arbor from Novi.
I will be keeping up with the updates on our track to mass transit.
Wes King said
Excellent blog!
It is important to keep in mind that no details have been released that are substantial about the private development of street cars on Woodward Avenue and whether or not the funding is really available remains to be seen. Also a 3.4 mile loop may be another people mover, there are serious issues with having a transit line run curbside with the amount of stops that are proposed in the private alternative. This link does absolutely nothing for regional mobility. Who in there right mind would drive down I-75 to New Center inorder to park and ride? Yes it would link into Detroit to Ann Arbor, but SEMCOG has been in negotiation with the freight liners for a long time and much work needs to be done on the tracks between Detroit and Dearborn. The only true project out there with legs is the DTOGS study. http://www.dtogs.com This project could be combined with the private sector study and has identified LRT on Woodward as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). The application to the FTA will be submitted in December of this year. This project would provide service on Woodward Avenue from Downtown Detroit to 8 Mile, and be a starter line for progressing further upon completion into Oakland County. State Fair would become a large park n ride which there is plenty of space for. I think the draw to State Fair for commuters is a little more appealing than New Center. Also it is time for this region to stop getting bailed out by the private sector. There is lots of federal money out there that we can bring back to the region if we don’t ignore it. The private sector line appears to be another weak attempt at not actually putting in substantial mass transit. A collaboration between the Public and Private projects could be a major success and a building block for the entire United States. P3’s are the future.
Hypestyle said
excellent, article, I have written to carl levin, debbie stabenow and barack obama about our transit/transportation crisis in southeast michigan, I am hoping that this legislation passes and does not get roadblocked, no pun intended.. anyone with updates on these developments can contact me @ myspace.com/hypestyle
Roger Martin said
Great to see so many good ideas and thoughtful comments about transit. Thanks to all for being engaged. I believe more details are now available about the regional transit plan that has been proposed for SE Michigan, which includes the 3.4-mile light rail line. I believe this loop is not supposed to be the end-all, be-all system. Rather, it’s supposed to serve as a privately funded jumpstart for more to follow, including private-public partnerships. And yes, many other cities (Portland, Denver, Minneapolis, Dallas, Charlotte, St. Louis, etc.) have won significant federal funding for their systems, which are creating thousands of good jobs and generating billions in new private developments and redevelopments. Extending service further north into Oakland County makes all the sense in the world, however it is done. One thing is certain: Momentum continues to build for expanding rapid transit across Michigan. First, as noted above, there’s House Bill 6114 pending on the floor of the state House in Lansing. The bill would help boost transit in cities across Michigan. Then this week or next week, bills are expected in the House and Senate to advance the light rail line planned for Detroit. On Sunday, Sept. 28, The Detroit News published a favorable editorial about Detroit’s regional transit plan. And today (Thursday, Oct. 2) the Lansing State Journal urged the Legislature to expand mass transit. Many cities in other states are creating thousands of jobs and generating billions in new investments precisely because of their rapid transit lines. Michigan must do the same. Please urge your state lawmakers to support public policies such as House Bill 6114 to boost transit in Detroit, Grand Rapids … and all across Michigan. The bill is a good public policy start to a process that will take many years, a lot of money, and what will certainly be a bumpy ride to complete.
dzhuang said
Thanks for all the fantastic comments! I am really impressed by your knowledge and am learning a significant amount about the development of a public transportation system from your insight. Look forward to a post regarding the updated status of mass transit in Michigan in the near future. It will compile some of the sources and details that you have given me.