100 likes | 181 Views
Public Transportation: Moving Michigan Forward in the 21 st Century. Presented by: Michigan Public Transit Association. Place your logo here. Public Transportation is key to Moving Michigan Forward. Our economy Creates jobs – employs 5,800 Michigan citizens
E N D
Public Transportation: Moving Michigan Forward in the 21st Century Presented by: Michigan Public Transit Association Place your logo here
Public Transportation is key toMoving Michigan Forward • Our economy • Creates jobs – employs 5,800 Michigan citizens • Economic investment – brings $3.5 billion investment to state • Our people • Seniors, the disabled, students, those who are too young or too old to drive, people choosing to ride all use public transit • Our quality of life • Creates a healthier and safer environment, contributes to MI’s green, clean economy • Reduces traffic congestion, improved air quality
Now is the Time to Invest – Why? • Increased demand – More residents are choosing public transit • Michigan’s three largest industries depend on transportation system • Manufacturing • Agriculture • Tourism • Not a political issue, it’s a safety and economic issue
Transit Supports our Economy • Public transportation takes people to their jobs, stores, downtown areas, medical and entertainment venues • Mass transit is a $560 million industry – • generates $3.5 billion in economic benefits • employs 5,800 Michiganians • For every dollar invested in public transit, we receive $3-9 in return • 77 percent of New Economy companies rate public transportation as “very important” when determining where to locate • Saves residents time and money • Time lost in congestion, excess fuel used, and frustration
Public Transit Moves our People • All Michigan residents benefit from public transit • Cleaner air • Less congestion • Money saved • Less accidents • Reliable, dependable
Public Transit Moves our People • Those with no other means of travel • low income, people with disabilities, those too young or too old to drive • Business owners • see increased foot traffic from mass transit, gives employees reliable way to get to work • Parents count on transit as a safe ride for their children • Those hit hardest by the economy – • those who have lost their homes, cars and jobs - depend on public transportation for independence and mobility • For seniors, • viable, accessible transportation is essential to maintain independence, physical/mental well-being and even residences
Protecting Our Environment • The benefits of public transit far exceed any other energy-saving household activities • i.e. energy-efficient light bulbs, adjusting thermostats, etc. • A bus is twiceas efficient as an automobile per passenger mile • Would reduce dependence on foreign oil imports by 40 percent if just one in 10 citizens took the bus daily • Transit contributes to Michigan’s green technology industry and job growth
The Situation • State revenues for public transportation come from the Comprehensive Transportation Fund (CTF) • Loss of funding – decreased X amount in X years • SB 1164 – taking from CTF • Services being cut, Projects don’t have enough funding to move forward What do Legislators need to do? • Allocate funding sources to reflect the growing need for public transit • Identify reliable, long-term revenue sources to support public transit • Match federal funding dollars so we get as much money as possible from the government
What can we do? • Contact your local legislator • Visit www.DriveMI.organd sign the online petition • Send a postcard • Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper • Plan educational events in your community • Attend City Council meetings
Take Action – Public Transit Moves Michigan forward! • Our Economy • Creates jobs, high return on investment • Brings people to areas where they can support local businesses • Our People • Seniors, the disabled, students, those who are too young or too old to drive, people choosing to ride • Our quality of life • Healthier and safer environment • Reduced traffic and improved air quality