Local Public Transit Is Essential Infrastructure (September 2025)
Our Ask
- We urge lawmakers to restore and increase state funding to reflect growing service demands, rising costs, and economic growth potential for Michigan public transit.
- Leaders must protect local transit services by supporting at least $270 million for Local Bus Operating in the FY2026 budget, with the goal of fully funding transit at $450 million.
- We urge the Legislature to restore the decades-long commitment of 10% of transportation funding to the Comprehensive Transportation Fund in any road funding deal.
Declining State Funding Puts Local Communities at Risk
- Without action, our local transportation systems will face the lowest-ever rate of state funding and the likelihood of significant service reductions.
- Transit cuts lead to local job losses and missed work shifts, especially in rural areas that already experience limited service hours and higher fares.
- Limited options to doctors, grocery stores, and education.
- Increased isolation for seniors and decreased career opportunities, especially for people with disabilities.
- Less consumer spending on key goods.
Michigan Transit By the Numbers
- Transit providers operate in all 83 Michigan counties, providing 125,000+ rides per day and serving nearly 50 million rides each year.
- Every $1 invested in transit generates $5 in economic returns and increases property values.
- Transportation is the second largest household expenditure after housing.
- More than 280,000 Michigan households do not own a car, and transit demands are growing among all generations.
- Michigan voters support local transit funding measures more than 90% of the time.
Public Transit Drives Michigan’s Economy
- Most riders use transit to make money as employees, spend money as customers, or gain the skills to earn money as students, directly supporting our economy and local businesses.
- Public transit helps families save more for other essential needs.
- Seniors, veterans, students, and people with disabilities rely on public transit as a lifeline for getting to work.
Act Now
- Michigan must support local transit as vital infrastructure alongside roads and bridges to build a transportation system where everyone can get to where they need.
- The Governor, Senate, and House have all recognized the importance of transit in their budgets.
- Still, leaders must act now to ensure that Local Bus Operating is maintained with at least $270 million in FY2026 with the goal of fully funding transit at $450 million.