Detroit: New Regional Transit Plan to Connect Major Cities Across 4 Counties

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeastern Michigan today announced plans for a regional transit system that would link Detroit, Ann Arbor, Pontiac, and Detroit Metro Airport across four counties for the first time in the area’s history.

“Southeast Michigan is one of the only major urban areas in the country without a viable, coordinated public transit system,” says Paul Hillegonds, chairman of the Regional Transit Authority of Southeastern Michigan. "If we are going to prosper in a 21st century global economy, we need to develop a transit system that better connects residents to jobs, schools, basic services, and the recreational and cultural assets we are blessed with."

Michael Ford, CEO of the Regional Transit Authority, says the so-called Building Equitable Sustainable Transit (BEST) plan will link Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties by connecting the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, the Detroit Department of Transportation, the Detroit People Mover, the M-1 Rail, and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART).

Ford says there will also be studies of routes connecting Michigan Avenue from downtown Detroit to Ann Arbor, including a connection to Metro Airport; Woodward Avenue from downtown Detroit to Pontiac; and Gratiot Avenue from downtown Detroit to M-59.

A bus rapid transit line has been recommended that would run along the center of Woodward Avenue. An environmental review of the recommendation is in progress. Studies of routes on Michigan and Gratiot avenues are scheduled to be completed by March 2016. ........................(more)

http://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/Annual-2015/New-Regional-Transit-Plan-to-Connect-Major-Cities-Across-4-Counties/