by Megan Owens
Even this early in the political year, road funding is clearly a primary topic among Michigan’s elected leaders.
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month at the Detroit Auto Show called on lawmakers to develop a bipartisan, long-term solution to Michigan’s road funding problem. Republican House Speaker Matt Hall in response recommended a proposal “that would prioritize local and county infrastructure without raising taxes on Michigan residents.”
Road funding is among very few areas where bipartisan compromise might be possible. Yet the debate thus far has ignored a critical component.
Yes, we would all like smoother roads. But what about the rest of the damn transportation system?
Independence and dignity
In addition to roads, Michigan supports hundreds of miles of rail, three public ferry systems, 77 public transit systems, three Amtrak lines, and hundreds of community transit providers that together serve every county in Michigan. Sadly, much of this public transportation infrastructure is in even worse shape than Michigan’s roads.
When buses, ferries, senior shuttles or trains don’t run, that leaves Michiganders who can’t drive stranded in the freezing cold, missing school, cut off from the community, losing jobs and worse.
That’s why as Whitmer, Hall, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and other state leaders decide how to fund essential road repairs, they must also invest in fixing the full transportation system.
Yes, most Michiganders drive. But not all do and not all the time.
Michigan is aging. One out of every five seniors doesn’t drive, with hundreds more aging out every day. Throughout the state, seniors want to remain in their own homes with independence and dignity when they retire from driving.
And Michigan’s caregivers are struggling. Far too many spend countless hours driving and caring for aging parents and grandparents while raising kids and trying to work themselves. Michigan leaders who want to help alleviate these burdens should support transit funding.
Stretched to the breaking point
There’s a big gap in Michigan between where workers are and where their jobs are. Thousands of businesses are struggling to hire and retain reliable workers, especially in lower wage jobs. Leaders need to support the buses that affordably get workers to jobs.
Michigan has made commitments to minimize the harms of dirty air and climate change with the Michigan Healthy Climate Plan. Leaders who support equitable climate solutions also need to invest in reliable non-car mobility options.