Groups urge Michigan lawmakers to invest in full transportation system

21st century transportation system must work for every person, business 

As the Governor and lawmakers develop road funding solutions, a broad coalition of Michigan organizations is asking them to invest in a sustainable, affordable transportation system instead of focusing exclusively on pavement-only solutions for roads. 

The coalition of organizations is working to highlight priorities for investments in a full transportation system ahead of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s and the legislature’s road funding negotiations. These include transit, rail, trails, walking and biking infrastructure and senior mobility services. To be fair and effective, transportation funding must not penalize more efficient vehicles or harm other essential services like schools and municipalities. Additionally, they urge policymakers to use a “Fix it First” approach before expanding roadways.  

“For too long, our state and our region have been held back due to a lack of real transit,” said Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak. “Meanwhile, other states and cities have become magnets for young talent and investment by leveraging transit to attract and retain the best people. From the Growing Michigan Together report to countless surveys, young people are looking for options that don’t require owning and insuring a car. For Michigan to succeed, we must invest in transit as part of a comprehensive infrastructure plan to connect our communities, bring people together, and keep the next generation in our state instead of seeking opportunity elsewhere.”

“It’s important to look toward the future of transportation for all Michiganders,” said State Rep. Jason Morgan, D-Ann Arbor. “We must take this moment to invest in a sustainable 21st century transportation system – one that works for every person and business in our state. The people of Michigan deserve a full range of transportation options that are affordable, accessible and well-maintained.” 

“We were encouraged to see that the Governor’s transportation funding proposal included a $250m net increase for public transit,” said Ross Gavin, urban land use and transportation policy director for the Michigan Environmental Council. “These essential transit services allow residents to get to work, to the grocery store, to the doctor’s office, and to school, among other necessities of daily life. We look forward to the continued negotiations around transportation funding, including what the proposed $500m cuts in government entail, as we look to make Michigan a leader in public transportation.”

“While we’d all like smoother roads, Michigan leaders can’t ignore our state’s hundreds of miles of rail, three public ferry systems, 77 public transit systems, three Amtrak lines and hundreds of community transit providers that together serve every county across Michigan,” said Megan Owens, executive director of Transportation Riders United. “When buses, ferries, senior shuttles, or trains don’t run, that leaves Michiganders who can’t drive stranded in the freezing cold, missing school, cut off from the community, losing jobs and worse. That’s why when our state leaders decide how to fund essential road repairs, they must also invest in fixing the full transportation system.”

“Any ‘road funding’ or transportation deal in Michigan can’t come at the expense of essential services like schools and municipalities,” said Raquel Garcia, executive director of Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision. “Any proposals that harm our schools or rob our cities and counties of funding should be a non-starter. We shouldn’t rob Peter to pay Paul – we deserve good schools, good roads and good city services.” 

“Michigan’s transportation system needs to serve the needs of all Michiganders, including and especially the hundreds of thousands who cannot drive, whether due to disability, financial barriers, or both,” said Kaci Pellar, policy manager for Detroit Disability Power. “We must recognize how essential it is that our transportation system connects everyone to our communities — our jobs, healthcare appointments, schools, recreation and everything else that makes Michigan great.”

“The value of our partnership with the Capital Area Transportation Authority cannot be overstated,” said Kristina Sleight, chief operating officer for the Lansing School District, who oversees the district’s K-12 transportation solutions. “We see positive results from our state’s investment in public transportation, including improved student attendance; more convenient and affordable access to education, extracurricular activities and after-school job opportunities; social services and a wealth of other resources that enhance quality of life and economic growth for students and their families. We urge policymakers to support full funding for transportation without reducing funding for schools, municipalities or other necessary public services.”

“As we advocate for a more affordable transportation system here in Michigan, it’s also important that we don’t penalize more efficient vehicles,” said Tim Minotas, deputy legislative and policy director for Michigan Sierra Club. “Considering Michigan’s potential for continued economic investment in the EV sector, Michigan policymakers should embrace forward-looking funding mechanisms that are fair, pro-growth and meet our state’s needs.” 

“Our roads here in Michigan have obviously been underfunded for a long time, but punishing people who have chosen to drive more efficient vehicles is not the way to fix it,” said Ryan Bates, a parent and business owner who recently bought a Ford EV. “When I think about a future for my kids, I want them to live in a state with more options and less pollution, and I think we can do that here.”