KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Increasing the state’s investment in public transit would create jobs vital to Michigan’s economic turnaround, give commuters more options and make the air cleaner, members of the state’s largest public transit group said today.
At a media roundtable in Kalamazoo, one in a series around the state, representatives from the Michigan Public Transit Association (MPTA) today said Michigan lawmakers must help fuel the state’s economy with an infusion of new funds to the 79 public transit agencies statewide, including in the West Michigan area.
“Demand for public transit has never been greater – ridership has grown 22 percent over the past six years – so it’s mind-boggling that the state is actually disinvesting in its transit system,” said Clark Harder, executive director of MPTA. “Mass transit now gets just over 8 percent of state transportation money, down from 10 percent a little over a decade ago.”
MPTA and others say it’s time for bold leadership to increase the state’s 19-cents-a-gallon gasoline tax, which hasn’t been raised for 13 years. Meanwhile, the cost of public transit and road and bridge repair and construction has risen dramatically. State transit officials point to the lame-duck legislative session following the Nov. 2 election as the perfect time to take action.
“Those hit hardest by Michigan’s struggling economy often depend on public transportation to get to and from their jobs, school and downtown areas,” said Clark Harder, executive director of MPTA. “The legislature’s failure to address the transportation funding crisis is irresponsible and has a ripple effect on citizens’ ability to provide for their families in these tough times.”
Job creation is one reason for increasing investment in public transit. Studies show that each dollar spent on bus service results in an economic benefit of nearly $1.50 and that every 10 jobs created in public transit generate an additional six jobs elsewhere in the economy. But there are other reasons.
“Public transit improves the quality of life for Michigan residents, creating a healthier environment by reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality,” said Bill Schomisch, director of Kalamazoo Metro Transit.
“Contributing to Michigan’s clean, green 21st century economy, a bus is twice as efficient as an automobile for every passenger mile traveled.”
The state economy also wins with increased investment in public transit. Transit operations employed about 9,200 workers and contributed $1 billion to the state economy in 2008, according to a study recently released by MPTA and the Michigan Department of Transportation. Additionally, the money passengers save by taking the bus adds up to $264.4 million annually, which they can spend in other parts of the economy. The study used a new assessment tool that better gauges the impact of public transit on the economy by measuring local as well as state impact.
“More Michigan citizens are choosing public transit and we must protect and invest in services and programs that Michigan residents count on,” said Dan Wedge, director of Allegan County Transportation. “For the first time, local Michigan transit agencies can speak definitively about the economic impact and value of bus operations on their region, including the jobs created locally and across the state.”
Jobs are also being created on the manufacturing side of the public transit industry at small, medium and large businesses across the state.
“With over 50 percent of our product coming from the State of Michigan, we are collaborating with businesses across the state to bring a quality product to the mass transit industry,” said Dave McLaughlin, vice president of transportation for American Seating (Grand Rapids). “As Michigan’s economy continues to struggle, it should be simple for state legislators to say ‘yes’ to job creation.”
Contact: Clark Harder, Executive Director, MPTA (517) 324-0858 Megan Brown, The Rossman Group (517) 487-9320