Wayne County voters could expand transit during 2026 midterms
Detroit honors former bus driver at new transit center
Located at Woodward and Eight Mile, the new facility will be the cornerstone of public transit in the city as it seeks to build up its bus infrastructure and further connect the city to the communities around Southeast Michigan. It also honors Jason Hargrove, a former bus driver who died after catching COVID-19.
(FOX 2) - After clearing a key hurdle in Lansing, officials are laying the groundwork for expanding transit in Wayne County, that will take place over the next two years.
If everything goes according to plan, Wayne County residents will be voting for a transit millage in 2026, which would officially expand the public transit footprint to all people that live in the region.
"The law would only change if the voters decide that's what they want," said deputy county executive Assad Turfe. "This bill is just to give the power to the people."
Big picture view:
Transit advocates and Wayne County officials hope to present voters with a county-wide transit millage during the 2026 Midterms. If approved, all 43 communities would have access to SMART's network of buses.
Currently, 17 communities don't pay into the system. Someone living in Canton Township or Livonia who doesn't own a car has no way of getting to Detroit because no bus travels through either community.
Over the next year, officials and advocacy groups like Transit Riders United will meet with each municipality to engage residents and learn what needs they may have.
"I think it will be a two-way conversation," said TRU Executive Director Megan Owens. "Help residents understand what's possible."
Local perspective:
Do communities have a large number of seniors looking to retire in their home? Or are there a lot of young people who don't own a car and need help getting to their work?
"We're getting to know the local needs and then discussing how transit could help address local community needs, whether it's for seniors or students or employers or if it is people with disabilities or recreation," Owens said.
Assad Turfe of Wayne County said there is a "generational group of individuals" who don't own a car and don't plan to purchase one. They come with expenses and can be inconvenient, he said, and helping that group of people would make the region more attractive to move to.
"Without a vehicle, they can't get to work or school or get to their health care appointment," he said.
In addition to residents, state lawmakers, mayors, township supervisors, and business groups will all be part of the discussion, Assad said.
Following Oakland County:
Oakland County took similar steps in 2022 when it presented voters with a proposal to expand transit around the region.
After its approval, officials explored the best ways to invest in transit. Over 2023 and 2024, more bus stops were added in lower Oakland County while rural transit providers operating in the northern and western areas of the county increased the number of available trips for seniors.
Wayne County is moving in the same direction, but in reverse order. First, it's exploring the best places to expand transit, then bringing the proposal to the people.
"It's a little bit of an example to build from, but how can we help people understand what options can exist and what populations have the greatest needs, and then putting it together," said Owens.
Once Wayne County is on board, officials will consider even larger transit opportunities that can span across all of Southeast Michigan.