Novi City Council Extends People’s Express Lease

Residents utilizing the People's Express bus service at the Novi Civic Center, ensuring local transportation access.

News Summary

The Novi City Council has voted unanimously to extend the lease for People’s Express at the Novi Civic Center for another six months, allowing continued local transportation services. The council members emphasized the importance of timely updates regarding the contract and the potential for future funding. During this period, residents will still benefit from free services for older adults and individuals with disabilities, ensuring accessibility within the community as Pex searches for a new facility.

Novi City Council Extends People’s Express Lease for Continued Local Transportation Services

In a move that promises to keep the wheels turning for local residents, the Novi City Council has voted to extend the lease for People’s Express (Pex) at the Novi Civic Center for another six months. This decision was made during their meeting on January 6, 2025, and was met with unanimous approval from the council members.

Your Transportation Service Stays Put!

With the extension approved, Pex will continue operating from their current location while they search for a suitable new facility nearby. Unfortunately, the initial six-month period did not yield a new address. The council agreed that Pex would pay the city a fee of $450 a month for the ongoing use of Civic Center space. It’s a win-win since residents can count on their beloved transportation service without a hitch.

And here’s something to keep in mind, if Pex still hasn’t found a suitable location by May, the council has the option to extend the contract further. However, the rent would increase to $600 a month should that be the case.

Fueling Up the Community

During this extended stay, Pex will continue utilizing the city’s fuel pumps, meaning they can keep their fleet of over 50 vehicles running smoothly to serve the community. Usage has been notably high, and feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, showing that off-the-bus conversations have probably never been so friendly!

City Manager Victor Cardenas reported that many residents are taking advantage of Pex’s offerings. With 10 drivers, all formerly employed by the city, the current Civic Center setup minimizes disruption for these friendly faces that everyone has come to rely on.

Concerns and Critiques

However, not all discussions have been sunshine and roses. Council members took the opportunity in December 2024 to express concerns about the delays in discussing Pex’s contract. The importance of timely updates on contract expirations was emphasized to avoid last-minute decisions.

While the council is working to keep Pex on its feet, some suggestions have been made to reevaluate the funding model for this local service. For instance, one council member pointed out the potential of seeking additional funds from Oakland County to bolster Pex’s offerings. Pex’s deputy director mentioned ongoing collaborations with the county to roll out a community transit plan and assess facilities going forward. Let’s hope they’re on the right path together!

Benefits for All

One exciting development is that the council has approved continued free bus rides for older adults and residents with disabilities! This means folks can keep getting around without worrying about fares. Such services are vital for maintaining a sense of community and accessibility.

Mayor Pro Tem noted that having Pex situated at the Civic Center is a huge plus for local marketing and community engagement. It’s a space where people come together, after all!

Looking Ahead

Looking forward, if Pex ultimately cannot find a new location by June, the city may start charging them market rates for the continued use of space, which could change the financial equation for Pex. The council seems keen on holding onto that local focus and ensuring that service quality remains top-notch. Sustainability and the long-term implications of outsourcing transportation have been hot topics of conversation, and as residents hug their bus seats, these discussions will undoubtedly shape the future of local transport services.

As the search for a new facility continues, it’s reassuring to see the community rallying behind Pex. With their supportive organization and flexible plans, local transportation services remain a key pillar of connectivity and convenience in Novi. The next few months will be crucial as Pex seeks to establish a home that matches their growing needs, so stay tuned for updates!