Two interesting national transportation stories out this week:
US DOT new policy: Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has issued a new policy statement that calls for full inclusion of pedestrians and bicyclists in transportation projects, with particular attention paid to transit riders and people of all ages and abilities – essentially, a Complete Streets policy.
“This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized,” Secretary LaHood said in his blog yesterday.
APTA: 10.2 Billion Trips Taken on U.S. Public Transportation in 2009
"According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 10.2 billion trips taken on U.S. public transportation systems in 2009 is a 3.8 percent decrease from the 52-year modern ridership record that was set in 2008. For the fourth year in a row, Americans took more than 10 billion trips on public transportation in 2009, despite high unemployment, a severe economic recession and lower gas prices. Bus and rail service cutbacks resulting from lower state and local funding also contributed to the ridership decline.
Despite this recent decrease in transit ridership, public transportation use is up 31 percent since 1995, a figure that is more than double the growth rate of the population (15%) and up substantially over the growth rate for the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on our nation’s highways (21%) for that same period.
Monday, March 15, 2010 Remind your legislators to support regional transit!!
Tomorrow, TRU Policy chair Steve Gutterman will be testifying before the Michigan House about the importance of a Regional Transit Authority to:
Coordinate all existing transit service (decreasing service gaps and duplication);
Advance new transit projects including Woodward light rail, Gratiot rapid transit, and commuter rail;
Champion the Regional Transit Plan and its clear steps to improve transit;
Fulfill the US Transportation chief's directive that our region work together to get more federal money; and
Plan and propose dedicated local funding to enable all this and more!
Several TRU leaders will be up in Lansing with Steve bringing the message directly to legislators.
We need your help to echo this call for Regional Transit!
Please call your state representative and urge them to support the Regional Transit Authority!!
Lastly, tell your friends and family around the state to do the same!!
Thanks!!!
Sunday, March 14, 2010 Are buses essential for Detroit?
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is making major decisions right now on his proposed Detroit city budget. He has recognized that the city cannot afford to maintain all of the services they currently provide, so he's deciding which city service are truly essential and which are nice but not necessary. Non-essential services can expect massive cuts!
Do you think transportation is an essential city service?
Or put another way, could Detroit operate without any bus service?
If you believe, like I do, that Detroit buses are absolutely vital to the city's operations, to affordably get people to jobs, classes, stores, and services, tell Mayor Bing!
Call Mayor Bing's office at (313) 224-3400;
tell him that transportation is an essential city service.
DDOT's budget cannot be cut.
Then report your call so we can track all the input he's receiving.
Make sure to call now, before the Mayor's State of the City address on March 23!
Friday, March 12, 2010 Lansing considers rapid transit
According to the Lansing State Journal, a group of leaders from Lansing, East Lansing and Meridian Township are looking into building a rapid transit corridor along Michigan Ave and Grand River:
"Last week, the group announced that rapid transit buses, modern streetcars, or a light rail line - using a dedicated lane - were its choices to make it easier to connect Lansing's downtown, MSU's campus and a major commercial center in Meridian Township. That route, one of CATA's busiest, could become a hotspot for new businesses and housing - and easy transportation is a key, officials say. . . .
After months of studying a range of transit options, bus rapid transit, modern streetcar, and light rail transit met all of the criteria for more detailed study, say CATA officials. A study of the area will be be done, and CATA, using federal capital improvement money, will pay for it. CATA officials say, if one of the three options becomes a preference then an effort will be undertaken to find federal funds.
"This project fosters urban living, which is important to the core downtown areas," said Loomis. "It also ties the communities together and helps us to promote two major assets - the state Capitol building and Michigan State University."
Friday, March 12, 2010 Remember - Be Counted!!
Be Counted!
Every 10 years the U.S. Census counts everyone living in the U.S.
Your census form should arrive by mail in the next week. Answer 10 questions – it only takes 10 minutes! Make sure to count everyone in your household. Remind snowbird friends to be counted in Michigan. Census information you provide is confidential by law. Return your form by April 1.
This population number affects Michigan and the Detroit area's federal funding, congressional representation, and much more. For more information, visit www.2010census.gov
There's isn't much new information, but it does have good, simple information and a place to sign up for their email newsletter. Here's a little of what they have to say:
M-1 RAIL is a nonprofit, public/private partnership of Detroit business and civic leaders formed to promote economic development and advance light rail in the City of Detroit.
Light rail along Woodward Avenue is a top transit priority of the City of Detroit, Southeast Michigan and the State of Michigan. M-1 RAIL, a 3.4-mile line that will connect Downtown Detroit to the New Center District, will be the first of several phases.
M-1 RAIL will be a catalyst for growth and future regional transit.
Funded by $125 million in private philanthropy and public investment, M-1 RAIL will be one of the most significant economic development projects for the City of Detroit.
M-1 Rail was also the top topic of discussion at the annual meeting of Downtown Detroit partnership, according to the Free Press. Mayor Bing reaffirmed his support and his confidence that construction will begin this year.
Matt Cullen, CEO of M-1 Rail, cautioned that there is still an element of fragility in the plans. Federal officials want assurances that both the privately funded portion and a separate plan by the city to extend the line north to 8 Mile are coordinated.
Friday, March 05, 2010 Raise my taxes, please!! Why rational people should support transit investment
A recent report from one of the world's top transit thinkers analyzed data from U.S. cities to investigate the incremental costs and benefits of high quality transit service (defined as service sufficiently convenient and comfortable to attract travel that would otherwise be by automobile).
It indicates that high quality public transit typically requires about $268 in additional subsidies and $104 in additional fares annually per capita, but provides vehicle, parking and road cost savings averaging $1,040 per capita, plus other benefits including congestion reductions, increased traffic safety, pollution reductions, improved mobility for non-drivers, improved fitness and health.
This indicates that residents should rationally support tax increases if needed to create high quality public transit systems in their communities. (Other data shows that voters generally do.) Current planning practices tend to overlook or undervalue many of these savings and benefits and so result in underinvestment in transit quality improvements.
Without transit, Americans would be wasting an additional $13.7 billion a year on travel delay and fuel – on top of the $87 billion already being lost to congestion. Movement on our streets and highways would come to a standstill if the 10.7 billion trips taken on public transit were instead taken by personal vehicle.
Because of our transit systems across the country, Americans are saving more than 855 million gallons of gasoline every year – enough fuel to heat, cool and supply electricity to all the homes in America for three months.
When the average American household incorporates transit into their daily routines, they save close to $8,700 every year, or $724 per month.
Data from the American Public Transit Association and Chicago's Metropolitan Planning Council
Monday, March 01, 2010 One D leaders voice strong support for transit
A few years ago, leaders of some of Detroit's top regional organizations came together to launch One D, a collaborative initiative to identify, monitor, and advocate change on the top regional challenges facing greater Detroit:
Economic Prosperity,
Educational Preparedness,
Race Relations,
Regional Transit, and
Quality of life.
One D is lead by the CEOs of eight regional civic organizations: Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau; Detroit Regional Chamber; United Way of Southeastern Michigan; Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan; Detroit Renaissance (now Business Leaders for Michigan); New Detroit; and SEMCOG/Metropolitan Affairs Coalition.
Several of these CEOs have recently written about why Regional Transit is such a critical issue. While they voice different reasons, their support for regional transit is unanimous. Read all three:
"True to our mission, the United Way’s perspective on regional transit stems from access to help. Lack of adequate, efficient public transportation consistently hinders the efforts of the United Way and other community organizations working to assist people in need. As such, the lack of a comprehensive regional transit system has been a major barrier to the improvement of the health of individuals and families. . . ."
"Regional transit can be an important economic development driver; as we work to increase business activity we need an improved transit system to facilitate that. As the economy grows, so will the region’s tax bases. . . ."
"Of the country’s top 25 metropolitan areas, Detroit is the only one without some form of rapid transit. That puts us at a competitive disadvantage in attracting the “knowledge base worker”, those in their late 20’s early 30’s who consistently rank transit high on their list of criteria for which Metro regions they will move to. . . .
"In short, mass transit is part of the overall quality of life fabric that, frankly, is missing here. . . ."
One D also has two videos of other regional leaders discussing the importance of transit:
Friday, February 26, 2010 RIP - Jack Schramm, a transit legend
Transit advocates everywhere were saddened to learn of the passing of Jack E. Schramm on February 24.
His passion for documenting the transit history of southeast Michigan was legendary. Jack leaves us with a large archive of historical material now managed by his son, Ken Schramm, and nearly a dozen historical reference publications.
Jack was truly one of those people who "had forgotten more about transit than I will ever know." He worked for the Detroit Street Railways (the forerunner of DDOT) over five decades. Jack was a co-founder of the Michigan Transit Museum in Mt. Clemens and was a strong supporter of TRU. He was honored for his lifetime achievement at a special 2004 TRU meeting, where he was presented with - what else - a piece of rail cut from a former DSR streetcar line.
Jack was our very own Transit Legend and he will be missed.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 Transit and Michigan's Prosperity - tonight on WJR
Tune in to WJR (AM 760) tonight at 7pm for a discussion on why transit matters to Michigan’s and Detroit’s future in the next part of "Michigan Prosperity Agenda."
Hosted by Jeff Gerritt from the Free Press, it will features:
University of Michigan instructor Peter Allen, and
Don Stypula, executive director of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council.
The Michigan Municipal League is on point in trying to lay out a new agenda and growth strategy that focuses on investments in cities, transit and education in building a knowledge-based economy for the 21st Century. For the last 20 years, Michigan’s economic growth strategy has centered on tax policies, and it’s pretty easy to see what we got for it. Businesses, investors and entrepreneurs look at far more than tax rates. We need to move the debate from taxes to jobs, and from cutting back to growing forward. Transit is one piece of that pie.
Monday, February 22, 2010 New TRU Organizer - Ruth Johnson
TRU has a new Organizer / Assistant Director starting today - Ruth Johnson!
A lifelong Michigander with deep roots in Detroit, Ruth brings a wealth of nonprofit experience and skills in leadership development, effective advocacy, community organizing, fundraising, change management, and much more.
You'll be hearing much more from her and opportunities to get actively involved in important transit advocacy work in the coming weeks and months. You can also contact her at Ruth@DetroitTransit.org or at the TRU office - 313-963-8872.
Sunday, February 21, 2010 Lots of transit in the news, aka. Why Michigan must spend money to make money
Detroit transit has been getting some important press attention recently, especially related to federal investment:
As these articles note, Michigan will be getting $40 million for three new train stations and another $25 million for Woodward light rail from the federal government's High Speed Rail and TIGER grant programs.
While $65 million is nothing to sneeze at, it is a tiny fraction of what other states are receiving. Why? Largely because other states have demonstrated their commitment to transit with legislatively supported plans and, most importantly, state investment.
Tim Fisher from the Michigan Environmental Council explains it very well in a Free Press viewpoint:
"Last month, President Barack Obama announced $8 billion in competitive grants for high-speed rail in the U.S. California got $2 billion. Florida and Illinois each got more than $1 billion. Michigan settled for $40 million to upgrade three train stations. But Michigan's leaders shouldn't play the victim.
These high-speed rail grants were competitive. The states that pulled in more rail funds were the ones that made investments of their own in sustaining and expanding existing passenger rail systems. . . . While the Illinois Senate was approving that $400 million to expand passenger rail, our senators were looking to cut rail funding in half. . . ."
Sunday, February 21, 2010 The Recovery Act at One Year - More Jobs from Stimulus Investments in Public Transportation
On the anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (aka. economic stimulus bill), several national groups updated a report on the jobs impact of various investments. They found growing data showing that investment in transit creates far more jobs than highway spending:
"Through the end of 2010, stimulus investments in public transportation have created almost twice as many jobs per dollar as highway spending – and the advantage is growing.
The most recent data from states, recently made available by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, shows that every billion dollars spent on public transportation produced 19,299 job-months, compared to 10,493 job-months for every billion spent on highway infrastructure. That difference has grown by more than 1,000 job-months over the last two months of official state spending reports.
The new data confirms the findings announced in “What We Learned From the Stimulus,” a report the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG), the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), and Smart Growth America (SGA) co-released earlier this year.
Public transportation projects create more jobs than road projects because they spend less money on land and more on labor, and because the public transportation projects are often more complex, whether laying track or manufacturing vehicles. According to a report from the White House's Council of Economic Advisors, in the fourth quarter, transit was the sector which created the most jobs of all the clean energy investments made with ARRA funds. . . ."
Sunday, February 21, 2010 Reminder - Transit Makes Good Business - event Friday morning!
Business owners and other business leaders play a critical role in decisions made by our region's elected leaders, including on transit. That's why it is so important to get the business community involved in advocating for better transit!
TRU, in collaboration with the Troy Chamber of Commerce and the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, is inviting business leaders, owners, and key partners to get together to share information, ideas and engage in a discussion regarding public transportation.
When: This Friday February 26th, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Where: Troy Chamber Office, Lower Level Meeting Room
4555 Investment Drive (off of Crooks between Wattles and Long Lake)
If you want additional information or have questions please contact Business Outreach Team leader Kevin Smith.
Friday, February 19, 2010 Upcoming hearings on state transportation budget!
Important state budget news from our friends at the Michigan Municipal League:
"The Governor announced her Fiscal Year 2011 budget last Thursday . . . . Due to the continued decline in state gas tax and vehicle registration revenue, MDOT will be forced to leave nearly a half a billion dollars of Michigan's federal gas tax dollars in DC because they don't have enough matching money to draw down our full allotment.
This is the first time in memory that Michigan, let alone any state, will not draw down their state's share of federal gas tax revenues! As a result of this half billion dollar funding reduction, MDOT has announced the delay of nearly 250 road projects in their recently adopted 5-year plan.
The House Transportation committee announced a series of three public hearings around the state on this:
(The first hearing scheduled for this morning in Kalamazoo was canceled due to the winter storm and will be rescheduled.)
Monday, March 8, 10am at Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City
Monday, March 22, 10am at Eagle Crest Conference Center, Ypsilanti
It is very important that the legislators and media understand the importance of protecting transportation funding. I encourage you to attend one of these hearings."
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 $25 million from feds for Woodward light rail!
The M-1 Rail project will be receiving $25 million in federal funds, as one of the final parts of the economic stimulus from last year.
According to the FTA, these funds will be used for road rehabilitation, a streetscape enhancement project, and the purchase of light rail cars. The project will have significant short-term benefits for Detroit’s beleaguered economy, including job creation and economic activity. The city also expects the project to provide for significant long-term economic growth in the corridor, while improving mobility, enhancing mobility options, and attracting investment to Downtown Detroit and the New Center area.
This is one of 51 projects nationwide to receive funds, out of 1,400 proposed, to foster job creation, show strong economic benefits, and promote communities that are safer, cleaner and more livable.
Monday, February 08, 2010 Detroit Transit documentary - debuts tonight!!
Don't miss the exciting new PBS documentary on Detroit transit - part of their Blueprint America series.
The full documentary debuts tonight at 10pm on Detroit Public Television (channel 56), examining how Detroit, a symbol of America’s diminishing status in the world, may come to represent the future of transportation and progress in America. TRU staff, volunteers, and partners were pleased to assist in the creation of this film. Check out the preview and full description at www.PBS.org/wnet/BlueprintAmerica/.
You can hear TRU Director Megan Owens and several local experts discuss the documentary on WDET's Craig Fahle show, during the last 15 minutes of today's show (Monday, 2/8, at 8:45pm) (also available online).
Several TRU leaders and volunteers will be at the Grand Truck Pub (on Woodward just south of Campus Martius) to watch it tonight. You're welcome to join us!
Over the next month, TRU will be partnering with the Michigan Municipal League and other like-minded groups to host additional local screenings in conjunction with discussions and action opportunities. If you're interested in working with us to schedule a screening/discussion, please contact us!
Friday, February 05, 2010 Engaging business leaders in transit advocacy!
Business owners and other business leaders play a critical role in decisions made by our region's elected leaders, including on transit. That's why it is so important to get the business community involved in advocating for better transit!
TRU, in collaboration with the Troy Chamber of Commerce and the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, is inviting business leaders, owners, and key partners to get together to share information, ideas and engage in a discussion regarding public transportation. Our agenda will:
Provide an overview of the current events regarding public transit.
Provide a brief overview of TRU and its mission.
Allow discussion as to why public transit is good for your business and what actions you and your business can participate in to promote it.
Have an open question and comment session.
Cover the next steps regarding how we all can help make regional public transit a reality.
A light breakfast will be provided and there is no cost to you except your time and input.
When: Friday February 26th, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Troy Chamber Office, Lower Level Meeting Room
4555 Investment Drive – Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union Building
(off of Crooks between Wattles and Long Lake)
If you want additional information or have questions please contact Business Outreach Team leader Kevin Smith at business@DetroitTransit.org or 313 549 2299.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 Transit Action Conference & Annual Meeting a great success!!
A huge thank you to everyone who made
TRU's big Transit Action Conference and Annual Meeting a great success!!
With over 100 people participating in a dozen difference workshops, there was a lot of learning and a lot of people excited to get involved in improving transit. Stay tuned for lots of upcoming events and other great ways to get involved!
During the business portion of the meeting, the members present unanimously elected (or re-elected) the following individuals to three-year terms on TRU's Board of Directors:
Patrick Droze (2nd term)
Patricia Fedewa (3rd term after 1-year leave)
Chris Frey (2nd term)
Steve Gutterman (3rd term after 1 year leave)
Aaron Thomas (1st term)
Marcia Yakes (4th term)
We also used the opportunity to thank and recognize our hard-working Board members and several other fabulous volunteers who make TRU's advocacy possible. If you see these folks, please share your thanks too!
Mike Whims - for lifetime achievement
Kelly Logan - our Rookie-of-the-Year
Nancy Wiggers - our Unsung Hero
Josh Hyman - our Energizer Bunny
Emily Jaynes, Buzz Brown, and Rob Anderson - for their new project leadership
Monday, February 01, 2010 SMART making improvements in fareboxes, biodiesel, and more!
SMART is making progressive strides to provide more convenient, modern, and customer-friendly service for its riders. Launching the first of several technology projects to upgrade its Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), SMART announced that it will be installing new fareboxes in February to replace outdated technology using some of the $20.2 million it received last year through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The new fareboxes increase accuracy, providing greater reliability and less maintenance. The fareboxes can issue change cards that passengers can use for future bus rides. Future fare options will include Smart Card technology, allowing riders to carry a debit-like bus card around with them for ease and convenience – all riders have to do is tap the card and go.
SMART will also convert its 275 fixed-route buses and 110 paratransit vehicles to biodiesel fuel utilizing funds from its 2010 budget. This change is expected to increase fuel efficiency on average by 17 percent per bus and save approximately $250,000 annually.
Within the next 18 months, an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) System will also be updated, improving reliability and enabling passengers to receive next bus arrival information on their phones. SMART will also add shelters to increase customer comfort, and accessibility to its buses.
For more information, go to www.smartbus.org or call Customer Information at 866-962-5515.
Thursday, January 28, 2010 Dearborn and Troy/Birmingham train stations get federal funding!
President Obama yesterday announced how the federal government will be investing the $8 billion in high-speed rail stimulus funding. While California and Florida are getting the largest amounts ($2.3 and $1.2 billion respectively), 31 states will receive some funding.
Michigan is receiving $40 million federal funds for three train stations - in Troy/Birmingham, Dearborn, and Battle Creek.
Unfortunately, MDOT identified an additional $850 million in needed improvements along the Detroit to Chicago rail corridor that will not be receiving federal funding at this time.
"We will ... aggressively pursue our share in the second round of funding," Gov. Jennifer Granholm said in the Detroit News.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 TRU's big Transit Action Conference - this Saturday!!
This Saturday is TRU's exciting new:
Transit Action Conference
This Saturday, January 30, 1-6pm
at the MSU Detroit Center
(3408 Woodward, at Erskine/Peterboro, just south of Mack)
Join Detroit’s top transit advocates in a full afternoon of transit updates, skill trainings, TRU Board elections, and opportunities to get involved in making great transit a reality for greater Detroit!
The site is conveniently located along the Woodward bus lines. Parking is available for free in the adjoining lot and on the street. Light refreshments will be provided.
Immediately following the conference, we will reconvene at Traffic Jam & Snug (511 W. Canfield) for dinner, drinks, and continued conversation (self-paid).
Note - due to the overwhelming response, we are at capacity for this event.
However, as cancellations come in, we will be able to involve more people to sign up now for the waitlist.
Sunday, January 24, 2010 Reminder - now accepting applications (deadline Monday)
Reminder - TRU is now accepting applications for an Organizer / Assistant Director. (Unfortunately Josh is leaving the state.)
We are seeking a passionate motivated people-person to join our staff to lead public engagement and organizing efforts. The right candidate must have:
Several years volunteer management and leadership development experience;
Excellent verbal communication skills, including public speaking before large audiences and one-on-one mentoring/facilitation; and
Demonstrated experience successfully managing multiple projects and responsibilities.
Check out the Job Description for more information on position responsibilities, benefits, and application process.
Sunday, January 24, 2010 SMART transit debate moves to City of Farmington - Tuesday!
Farmington Hills City Council recently voted to stay SMART - giving residents the option to vote for SMART bus service and millage in the August election.
Now the City of Farmington must decide!!
Bus service provides the people of Farmington with a way to get to work, shopping and school, which we need now more than ever! It also boosts business, which we need during a recession.
The Farmington City Council is considering whether to put renewing service on the ballot. If they don't , residents won't even get to VOTE - and SMART bus service in this community will DISAPPEAR in 2011.
The City Council will consider this issue this Tuesday, January 26 at 6pm, at City Hall, (23600 Liberty St.)
Please BE THERE and comment at the meeting that we shouldn't lose our right to vote on bus service!
Please call the City Council (at 248-474-5500)to express support for putting SMART bus service on the ballot!
Saturday, January 23, 2010 MDOT hosts public meeting on I-94 rehab
News from MDOT:
MDOT will be hosting a public information meeting to discuss the I-94 rehabilitation project, including news on key corridor bridges at Gratiot and Van Dyke. They also want feedback on a design guide to determine what the rehabilitated freeway will look like in our community.
When: Thursday, Jan. 28 from 9-11am AND from 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Barth Hall (4800 Woodward Avenue)
(According to MDOT) "The I-94 Rehabilitation Project will improve mobility, safety, pavement, and bridges in a 6.7-mile segment of I-94 in the city of Detroit. The project also will enhance local traffic circulation by separating local traffic from I-94 traffic. To learn more about this project, please visit MDOT's Web site at www.michigan.gov/I94rehab."
Friday, January 22, 2010 Feds change transit funding rules to support "livable commmunities"
In a big change, U.S. Dept. of Transportation Secy. Ray LaHood recently announced that transit projects would be evaluated based on their ability to meet cross-cutting livability goals such as their ability to reduce carbon emissions, spur economic activity, and relieve congestion.
"We want to base our decisions on how much transit helps the environment, how much it improves development opportunities and how it makes our communities better places to live," LaHood said in announcing the change.
Transit-industry officials said many projects had been stymied by a Bush administration policy requiring the government to evaluate projects based largely on reducing commuting times at the lowest possible expense. Under the new policy, some dollars that might have gone to projects that emphasized longer commutes, such as a rail line between major cities, could now be shifted to smaller local projects that serve more-compact areas.
The shift would determine how the Federal Transit Administration awards some $2 billion a year in transit-construction funds. This money, awarded under a program known as "New Starts and Small Starts," is intended to help state and regional agencies build commuter rail, light rail, heavy rail and bus rapid-transit projects.
In addition, President Barack Obama has pushed agency heads to work together to encourage cities and suburbs to promote walking, biking and public transportation as alternatives to driving. Mr. Obama has called for the DOT and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, for example, to coordinate plans for transit and housing projects so people can find jobs and housing closer to transportation hubs.
"Adam Greenfield, a 29-year-old filmmaker born in England and now residing in San Francisco, decided that for an entire year, he would not get into any sort of automobile. No SUVs, taxis, or motorcycles. Not even a ride in a hybrid or electric car. His bicycle took him nearly everywhere he needed to go.
What was the point? For one thing, to prove that he could do it—and that others might be able to follow his lead, in ways big and small. . . . "
Thursday, January 21, 2010 Check out SEMCOG's new(ish) Transportation blog!
SEMCOG manages transportation funding and projects for the entire 7-county southeast Michigan area - a very important role, headed by Carmine Polumbo. Carmine has recently started a blog sharing his thoughts, ideas, and news on key transportation issues. His most recent notes the Farmington Hills City Council voting to remain in SMART:
"This is a huge win for both SMART and regional transit in general, but I don’t think SMART is out of danger just yet.
Transit is facing some important challenges in 2010, the results of which may go a long way in determining how effective transit is and how attractive it will be to local governments. . . ."
Bing is making major decisions right now on his proposed Detroit city budget. He has recognized that the city cannot afford to maintain all of the services they currently provide, so he's deciding which city service are truly essential and which are nice but not necessary. Non-essential services can expect massive cuts!
"Last week, the group announced that rapid transit buses, modern streetcars, or a light rail line - using a dedicated lane - were its choices to make it easier to connect Lansing's downtown, MSU's campus and a major commercial center in Meridian Township. That route, one of CATA's busiest, could become a hotspot for new businesses and housing - and easy transportation is a key, officials say. . . . 
M-1 RAIL is a nonprofit, public/private partnership of Detroit business and civic leaders formed to promote economic development and advance light rail in the City of Detroit.
tonight at 7pm for a discussion on why transit matters to Michigan’s and Detroit’s future in the next part of "Michigan Prosperity Agenda."
(channel 56), examining how Detroit, a symbol of America’s diminishing status in the world, may come to represent the future of transportation and progress in America. TRU staff, volunteers, and partners were pleased to assist in the creation of this film. Check out the preview and full description at www.PBS.org/wnet/BlueprintAmerica/. 
You can hear TRU Director Megan Owens and several local experts discuss the documentary on WDET's Craig Fahle show, during the last 15 minutes of today's show (Monday, 2/8, at 8:45pm) (also available online).
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to encourage cities and suburbs to promote walking, biking and public transportation as alternatives to driving. Mr. Obama has called for the DOT and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, for example, to coordinate plans for transit and housing projects so people can find jobs and housing closer to transportation hubs.
