Michigan Public Transit Association

10/14/2026

https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/travel/mobility/initiatives/infrastructure-projects-authority-fund-transformational-transit

The Michigan Public Transit Association (MPTA) today applauded the announcement of nearly $65 million in Infrastructure Projects Authority Fund (IPAF) awards supporting 18 public transportation projects across Michigan.

The projects will bring new or expanded transit service to communities including Delta, Newaygo, Berrien, Montmorency and Oscoda counties, while supporting new microtransit and regional connections around Flint and Ionia, better access to universities, expanded event service in Grand Rapids, and significant transit plans for Southeast Michigan.

“This is an exciting and incredibly diverse group of projects that will make a real difference in communities across Michigan,” said John Dulmes, Executive Director of MPTA. “In some places, these investments will help fill longstanding gaps where residents simply haven’t had access to public transportation. In others, they’ll help agencies try new approaches and build stronger regional connections.”

MPTA noted, however, that the $65 million IPAF program is only one piece of Michigan’s broader transit funding needs. Transit agencies continue to face growing costs for wages, health insurance, vehicles and particularly fuel, even as higher gasoline prices can increase demand for affordable transportation alternatives.

“These investments are absolutely worth celebrating, but new projects also need strong transit systems behind them,” Dulmes said. “Rising fuel costs are another reminder that Michigan needs sustainable funding to maintain the service people depend on every day, while also investing in the future.”

MPTA looks forward to working with incoming state leaders to build on these investments and strengthen public transportation throughout Michigan.

10/12/2026

Nearly 20 transit professionals from across Michigan are in Mt. Pleasant for PASS Train-the-Trainer! 🚌

PASS stands for Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity, and focuses on the skills drivers need to safely and respectfully serve passengers with disabilities, including hands-on wheelchair safety and securement, passenger assistance techniques, sensitivity, and emergency situations. Participants completing the Train-the-Trainer program earn a certification to bring that training back to drivers at their own agencies.

Great to see agencies from across Michigan investing in their people and working together to provide safer, better service for their passengers.

Thanks to I-Ride (Isabella County Transportation Commission ICTC) for lending us a bus to practice these skills on!

10/06/2026

A few thoughts after spending the week at American Public Transportation Association TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago.

It's hard to fully appreciate the scale of North America's largest public transportation trade show until you see it in person. Hundreds of suppliers from across the continent were showcasing everything from buses and technology to maintenance equipment, shelters, safety systems, and passenger amenities.

We were especially proud to see Michigan well represented. Companies like ROUSH CleanTech, Brasco, Code Blue, Mayser, Midwest Bus Corporation, and American Seating Company are creating jobs here at home while serving transit systems across the country.

It was also great to celebrate successes from Michigan transit agencies, including the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan's AdWheel Award recognition.

But the highlight of the week wasn't the equipment, technology, or awards. It was the people. After years of Zoom calls, emails, and virtual meetings, it's refreshing to finally meet many transit leaders and colleagues from around the country in person. Those conversations, relationships, and shared experiences are what make events like this so valuable.

It was also great to spend time with so many Michigan Public Transit Association members who were helping represent Michigan's transit industry on a national stage.

Looking forward to bringing a few new ideas, new connections, and renewed energy back home.

09/29/2026

October 1 - 8th is the 2026 Week Without Driving.

What would your week look like if you couldn't drive?

For many people, this isn't a temporary challenge. It's a daily reality. Transportation insecurity affects individuals who don't have reliable, affordable, or accessible transportation to reach work, healthcare, school, groceries, and other essential destinations.

Week Without Driving is an opportunity to reflect on how transportation access shapes opportunity and quality of life in our communities. It also highlights the important role public transit, community transportation, walking, biking, and other mobility options play across Michigan.

We invite you to learn more about the challenge and take a moment to consider how transportation barriers impact your neighbors and community.

👉 Learn more: https://weekwithoutdriving.org/

Sep 29th – Oct 5th, 2025 - An experience created for everyone to learn firsthand about barriers and challenges for nondrivers. Join, support, or become a host.

09/25/2026

Today, dozens of Michigan Public Transit Association members gathered for a tour of the Detroit Department of Transportation Coolidge Terminal and Maintenance Facility. This newly-rebuilt facility helps keep buses (and people!) moving reliably and efficiently in Michigan's largest city.

Thanks to DDOT staff and DLZ for sharing more about the project!

09/23/2026

What a fantastic gesture by the team from Crawford County Transportation Authority to help out their riders in need!

Public transit meets community needs in more ways than one.

A group of employees from the Crawford County Transportation Authority (CCTA) have stepped in to replace a family’s front porch and add a wheelchair ramp for better accessibility, with money out of their own pockets.

For months, CCTA bus drivers worried about the state of the porch where they dropped off sisters Dawn and Paula Sells, fearing they might fall through it. One uses a wheelchair, and the other a walker, as she battles lymphoma.

“We have to sit there and watch them, make sure they get up in the house,” driver Dodie Steffes said. “I stop over there and I’ll take their stuff up to the door. It’s not even safe for me to walk up there, much less these women.”

09/14/2026

Please join us in welcoming Checker Transportation as a new Business Member of the Michigan Public Transit Association!

Founded in 1921, Checker is one of Michigan's longest-standing transportation providers, operating a fleet of more than 200 vehicles and serving over 200 non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) accounts across the state.

We are excited to have Checker join MPTA and look forward to their contributions, expertise, and engagement with Michigan's public transportation community. Please help us give them a warm welcome! 🚍👏

09/09/2026

SMART is expanding across Wayne County. 🚌

Following voter approval of the countywide transit millage, smartmovesus plans to add new routes, expand service into new communities, improve frequencies, and strengthen regional connections over the next several years.

With ridership already up 25% over the past year, this investment will improve access to jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential destinations across Metro Detroit.

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2026/09/04/smart-transit-to-expand-throughout-wayne-county/91445480007/

Out of Wayne County's 43 cities and townships, 17 had opted out until the countywide vote in August's primary.

09/08/2026

Michigan's public transit agencies primarily move people with buses and vans. But ferry boat service - to islands like Beaver, Sugar, Mackinac, Neebish, Drummond, and Bois Blanc - is a vital lifeline. Some operate with a combination of federal and state funding, along with passenger fares, while others are 100% private. All agree that labor and operating costs are making it more expensive than ever to provide this vital service.

Drummond Island Ferry - EUPTA Beaver Island Boat Company Sugar Island Ferry

While regulation, funding and oversight differ for each ferry service, the need for more cash to finance ferry boat operations is nearly universal.

09/04/2026

Congratulations to Berrien County on the formation of a new countywide transit authority intended to consolidate services currently fragmented across a variety of communities. The new authority would provide greater funding, service, and connectivity across Benton Harbor, its neighboring townships, and the rural areas of the county.

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved the articles of incorporation for the new Berrien County Transportation Authority as the effort to establish a replacement for the Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority and Berrien Bus continues.