The statement “Realizing the RTA’s vision will require regional consensus on how to fund public transit” stops before saying that no regional consensus exists. It would also determine the best approaches for raising funds to implement and sustain projects, policies, and services, and would layout a process for doing so. RTA is not currently authorized to generate revenue thought mechanisms, and some, like a local sales tax, would require changes to Michigan’s constitution.Ī successful future ballot initiative will require an expenditure plan, which would include specific projects based on the strategies outlined in ADVANCE 2021….

Public transit is funded differently in regions across the United States…. In 2016, a ballot proposal to raise funding … did not pass by a narrow margin. RTA does not currently raise revenue through either of these taxes, and to do so, would need a majority of voters to approve a ballot initiative. RTA is authorized to raise funding through a property tax millage and through a motor vehicle registration tax. Realizing RTA’s vision will require regional consensus on how to fund public transit…. New sources of revenue will be needed to purchase new vehicles … and sustain new services. Many of the strategies will require a substantial investment. On the question of funding, chapter 5 of this Plan explains:ĪDVANCE 2021 was developed without a defined budget in order to set a strategic agenda for the future of transit…. These goals enable the RTA to not only stay focused on what matters, but to be able to communicate what they’re trying to achieve – literally simplifying it down to five words: Expand, enhance, innovate, finance, and partner! Build Sustainable Partnerships – Support existing transit providers and coordinate with other agencies and nonprofits.Secure Long-term Dedicated Transit Revenue – Raise additional revenue to sustain and expand mobility services.Develop Innovative and Adaptable Solutions – Innovate to improve transit and increase flexibility.Enhance Existing Services – upgrade frequency, reliability, safety, and comfort.Expand Transit to New Places – connect more people to more destinations.Clear, strong goalsĪs opposed to being centered around a map of what transit lines will be expanded in what places by what dates, this new regional transit plan focuses on Goals for how SE Michigan can provide the public transit our region needs. The Plan explains these markets and service models in a lot greater detail, and notes that these are general guidelines, not limitations or commitments.

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