This story appears in today’s Free Press, at http://www.freep.com/article/20100522/NEWS05/5220387/1322/Rally-puts-transit-woes-in-spotlight

Rally puts transit woes in spotlight

Supporters say cuts hurting residents

By MATT HELMS
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Union workers and supporters rallied Friday at Hart Plaza to support mass transit as transportation systems across the country cut services and lay off workers because of funding depleted by the recession.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson and U.S. Reps. John Conyers and Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, both Detroit Democrats, were among the speakers at the rally, which included the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, representing Detroit Department of Transportation drivers.

“This may be the most critical issue of our times,” Jackson told about 75 people who attended the rally.

Jackson said transit’s ability to move people in environmentally friendly ways is crucial for the future. He said older cities across the country could be revitalized by efforts to improve and expand transit, similar to how Detroit was transformed into the Arsenal of Democracy for World War II. “The same Detroit that can make tanks also can make trains and make buses and put America back to work,” he said.

DDOT has cut bus routes and laid off more than 100 drivers in the last year. SMART, the suburban bus system, said it’s facing budget shortfalls beginning in 2012 that could lead to service cuts.

Transit agencies across the country are ditching workers, cutting routes and frequency of service and raising fares as revenues plummet. A recent survey by the American Public Transportation Association found that 84% of the nation’s transit systems have taken such measures or are considering doing so.

Transit supporters say sustained service is crucial to people who rely on it for commuting to work and for unemployed people to look for jobs.

Megan Owens, executive director of Detroit-based Transportation Riders United, said the Michigan Senate recently voted to cut $7 million from transit programs to help cover a projected $84-million shortfall in matching funds the state needs to get about $500 million in federal road funding.

Yet more people are using transit across the country and locally, Owens said. In Detroit, riders are waiting longer, spending more time to get around and forgoing trips to places along canceled routes.

“It’s having a real impact on people’s lives,” she said.

You are strongly urged to contact your Michigan legislator today in the House of Representatives to oppose Senate Transportation Bill 1164.  Yesterday the Republican-led Senate approved Senate Bill 1164 on a 21-17 vote.  The budget bill includes harmful cuts but no stable revenue sources in an attempt to come up with the $84 million Michigan needs to qualify for $475 million in federal matching transportation funds.  The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee for action.

Here’s two easy ways to contact your legislator:

1. Call 888-719-3087 to be automatically connected with your legislator’s office.
2. Visit the Contact Your Legislator Section of www.drivemi.org for an easy way to e-mail a message to your legislator after selecting your county location.

To view a press release regarding why transportation groups are opposing Senate Transportation Bill 1164, click here.

Make your voice heard.  Contact your legislator today!