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Funding cuts put public transit at risk in communities across Michigan

New report reveals how declining public transit funding threatens jobs, health care access and economic stability across Michigan communities.

LANSING, Mich.— Thousands of Michiganders could soon lose access to jobs, health care, education and basic daily needs as public transit across the state faces unprecedented funding shortfalls, according to a new report from the Michigan Public Transit Association (MPTA).

A recent survey of Michigan transit providers resulted in the following findings:

• The demand for public transit is growing across the state, with 75% of transit providers reporting an increase in ridership over the past four years, including some counties experiencing a 45% ridership increase.
• Transit providers are seeing significant increases in transportation costs, including employee wages and insurance costs, leading to an overall expense increase for agencies between 25% and 50% over the past four years.
• In response to decreased state funding, many transit providers are implementing tough cuts that will negatively impact their communities, including decreases in hours of operations, reduced hiring of drivers and delayed improvements to facilities.

Years of underfunding have pushed public transit systems across the state to a breaking point, leaving thousands of Michigan residents without access to necessities. Michigan transit providers are urging lawmakers to prioritize increased operating funds in this year’s state budget.

“Public transit is no longer a luxury; it’s an essential service that Michigan voters strongly support,” said John Dulmes, executive director of MPTA. “Without necessary funding, local transportation systems across Michigan will be forced to cut routes, reduce service hours and eliminate jobs. This will be disastrous for Michiganders, limiting their ability to get to work, attend school, or travel to necessary medical appointments.”

State leaders must act now to strengthen Michigan’s transit systems. MPTA urges lawmakers to include a traditional share of 10% for comprehensive transportation needs, including local transit systems, in any “road funding” deal and to prioritize operating funds in this year’s budget. Without this investment, Michigan’s economy and communities will face lasting setbacks.

The MPTA is calling on Governor Whitmer and state lawmakers to ensure the state’s budget and any road funding deal restore funding to maintain and enhance public transportation services, including transit, railways, ferries and pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure.

“Reliable, accessible public transportation strengthens our economy, reduces disparities and supports essential services,” said Dulmes. “We can’t afford to let this be another missed opportunity to invest in a sustainable, 21st-century transportation system—one that works for every person and business in our state. We need our state leaders to act now, or Michigan families, businesses and workers will pay the price.”