Natchez, MS.
Like the one theoretically under consideration in Lansing.
I say theoretically because, let’s be honest, Lansing hasn’t exactly made RTA legislation a priority.
Some in the Detroit caucus don’t think the city is adequately represented on the proposed authority. Some legislative Republicans are against it because, unlike subsidies for Michigan sugar beet farmers, well-financed and well-run public transportation is demonic socialism. Or something.
RTA plans have failed before, why should it be any different this time? I mean, aside from the fact that a regional transit authority likely means a Woodward streetcar line and regional bus rapid transit system.
Unfortunately, transit advocates say, the sense of urgency isn’t there.
“I’ve been surprised that M1 has been hands-off with the regional transit authority,” said Megan Owens of Transportation Riders United. “It’s really the only way this thing gets funded.”
The M1 rail consortium does support RTA, but they’ve hardly been advocates. Certainly, neither Penske nor Cullen used today’s news conference to ask Lansing to get moving on it.
Maybe all the players holding court every few months to tell us how much progress they’ve made on M1 should start getting serious about the RTA legislation.
It’s time for transit proponents (the mayors and county executives and Congressmen and business leaders) to play hardball, to start twisting some legislative arms and primary-ing some obstructionist legislators.
Oh, you don’t like the RTA bill? We can respect that. By the way, meet your primary opponent. The Regional Chamber of Commerce has endorsed him and [insert M1 investor here] is hosting his first high-dollar fundraiser. Hey, good luck with your re-election campaign.
Short of finally regionalizing our public transportation system, there’s no good reason for Washington to put money toward building a light rail or BRT that has no feasible long-term governance or funding structure.
LaHood made the right call getting on a plane without cutting a check. Hopefully, metro Detroit leaders take the hint and (finally) get this thing done right.
