Proposal includes $250 million for buses, transit
LANSING – A broad coalition of Michigan organizations is expressing support for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recently announced $3 billion transportation plan because it makes important investments in both public transportation and roads, while not taking away from schools and cities.
Within Gov. Whitmer’s MI Road Ahead Plan, $250 million will be allocated for local bus services and new transit projects, following Michigan’s long-established transportation investment formula. The Governor also commits that funding shifted away from schools and cities would be fully replaced by other revenue. The groups look forward to additional details, such as where the $500 million of unidentified budget cuts would come from, and assurance that any shifts in the gas tax will not further penalize EVs.
This follows the coalition’s push last week for the state to invest in a sustainable, affordable transportation system, instead of focusing exclusively on pavement-only solutions for roads.
The following organizations support funding Michigan’s full transportation system:
- Transportation Riders United
- Michigan Environmental Council
- Ecology Center
- Evergreen Action
- Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action
“We applaud the Governor for recognizing the importance of investing in all of Michigan’s infrastructure,” said Megan Owens, executive director of Transportation Riders United. “Strong leaders recognize that growing Michigan depends on resilient infrastructure, great schools, and thriving cities.”
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