Public Transit Drives Our Economy

  • Public transportation is a $560 million industry that directly employs more than 5,800 people in Michigan.
  • Public transportation is available in every county in Michigan.
  • Michigan's investment in public transportation brings back about $3.5 billion in economic benefits to the state. Different studies peg the return on investment at anywhere from $3 to $9 – but all agree that you get back more than you put in.
  • 77 percent of New Economy companies rate public transportation as "very important" when deciding where to locate.
  • Public transportation saved nearly 6 million hours of congestion time in 2005 in the Detroit and Grand Rapids areas alone.
  • A recent national survey shows that households likely to use public transportation daily save more than $8,400 each year compared to households with no access to public transportation.
  • High-speed, fixed guideway systems, like those under development in Grand Rapids and Southeastern Michigan, are magnets for development and urban revitalization.
  • Dollars spent on public transportation in Michigan are put back into our communities. 
  • Companies such as Cummins Bridgeway and American Seating in Grand Rapids, Detroit Diesel, Midwest Bus Corporation in Owosso, EMP in Escanaba and other businesses located throughout Michigan are supported by public transportation. Employees of public transportation use their wages to purchase goods and services, extending public transportation’s economic impact.
  • Public transportation takes people to jobs, stores, medical and entertainment venues – putting more money into Michigan's economy.

 

Sign the Petition

The Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) recently announced an online petition drive for citizens who are tired of driving on pothole-riddled streets. Although the petition is non-binding and will not change the law, the names of petition signers will be presented to state policymakers to demonstrate the level of support in Michigan for investing in our state’s infrastructure.

Contact Your Legislator

Use our website to find your legislator and send them a message about the Michigan roads. We fill out the form for you, all you have to do is find your legislator. It will only take you a couple minutes.

Contact Your Legislator

About Drive MI

With transportation needs increasing, and available funding not able to keep pace with the growing demands of the state’s transportation network, the Drive MI Campaign represents a comprehensive strategy for fully funding Michigan’s transportation system in the 21st century.

What Can You Do?

The two easiest things you can do is contact your local legislator and let them know you support the gas tax. The second thing you can do is signup for our email newsletter, Facebook and/or Twitter account to stay informed and help out when you can.
Login