State of Detroit transit: Advocates push for local funding boost to improve service

State lawmakers said pitching transit as economic development could convince state leaders to boost Michigan's lack-luster public transportation systems.

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, State Rep. Jason Morgan and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans participate in a panel moderated by Transit Riders United director Megan Owens. Photo: Samuel Robinson

Transit advocates convened for the annual Transit Riders United (TRU) state of transit meeting Tuesday night amid a push to boost local funding.

Lawmakers at the event said pitching transit as economic development could be a way to advance the goals of advocates, who are currently lobbying city leaders to double the city’s Department of Transportation budget.

“If we really want to have a transit system that is not only reliable and affordable, but is truly convenient and effective, we need to really we need to double the investment in transit at the city level and the state level,” Megan Owens, TRU executive director said. “It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s also really possible.”

However, Mayor Mike Duggan and new DDOT director Robert Cramer say increasing spending wouldn’t automatically deliver better service.

DDOT system map showing routes across Detroit. City of Detroit