
A failure to fully fund Michigan's transportation system threatens not only the state's roads, but also our public transportation system. Michigan is already leaving federal dollars for public transit on the table because it can’t meet
the state matching requirement for these funds.
Public transportation in Michigan is a $560 million industry
that directly employs more than 5,800 people and brings back
about $3.5 billion annually in economic benefits to the state – yet it has been historically underfunded in Michigan.
Detroit's per-capita transit spending of $56 earned the city an 18th out of 18 ranking among other urban communities, in a study from the Minnesota nonprofit Transit for Livable Communities. In stark contrast, the average per-capita spending in urban metropolitan communities such as Washington or Phoenix was $220.
Public transportation plays a significant role in the quality of life Michigan offers, supporting economic vitality and successful employment, creating jobs, promoting independence and mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and improving air quality. It contributes to Michigan’s green technology industry and job growth.
Funding revenues being considered by the legislature are still about $1.7 billion short of what the bipartisan Transportation Funding Task Force (TF2) task force deemed a "good level" for investment for roads, and $500 million short on the public transit side of funding.