Lansing’s Latest Bill Rallying for Transit Unity
Wayne County’s Communities Face Changes in Public Transit Participation
Exciting news comes from Lansing as the Michigan House recently made a significant move that could impact how public transit operates across Wayne County in the near future. With a vote that passed narrowly at 56-52, lawmakers have set the stage for a bill that would put an end to the ability of 17 Wayne County communities to opt out of the regional public transit system known as SMART.
This bill, sponsored by state Rep. Alabas Farhat from Dearborn, aims to unify transit services and ensure that all communities are on the same page when it comes to funding public transportation. According to Farhat, “Right now, we have a patchwork of transit systems in Wayne County. That’s causing real problems for residents to get around.”
What’s on the Table?
Currently, there are 17 communities within Wayne County that have opted out of participating in the SMART bus system. This means they do not pay into the transit service and don’t have access to its benefits. These communities include some well-known areas like Livonia, Canton Township, Northville, and even Detroit, which has its own bus service.
But what does this mean for the future? The legislation stipulates that come the next millage vote—due in 2026—these communities will have to participate in a vote along with their peers. Given the general support for the transit system among the rest of Wayne County, it’s likely these communities may find themselves opting back into the tax and transit service they’ve been avoiding for decades. After all, many of them have been opted out for nearly 40 years!
Understanding the Situation
For clarification, the millage rate currently rests at approximately 1 mill. But why does it matter? Well, if these 17 communities rejoin the fold, the funds collected from the millage can be directed toward a new authority. This authority could distribute the funds to SMART, the Detroit Department of Transportation, or other local transit programs, bringing a much-needed boost to public transportation in the area.
It’s worth noting that among the 17 opt-out communities, only Detroit isn’t involved in paying the 0.994-mill levy for SMART bus service. In fact, they receive the bus services through routes that run along major corridors such as Michigan and Grand River avenues, connecting them to the suburban areas.
Looking at Other Counties
This isn’t the first time a locality has taken a stance on public transit funding. Just last year in 2022, Oakland County voters approved a SMART millage renewal, putting an end to the opt-out option, much to the dismay of some local politicians. Meanwhile, Macomb County has always required communities to contribute to its SMART millage without offering an opt-out choice. Clearly, the trend is moving towards a more centralized public transport funding approach in Michigan.
What’s Next?
With this bill now headed to the Senate, the future of public transit in Wayne County rests in the balance. If it passes, we may soon see a more cohesive transit system that benefits all residents, making it easier for everyone to move around without the hassle of conflicting systems.
As residents will soon learned, the changes could redefine public transit accessibility, paving the way for a more interconnected and user-friendly framework. So, keep your eyes peeled for updates on this developing story—Wayne County’s public transit might just get a serious upgrade!
