Readers responding to the United Way's recent Quality of Life survey told us that they were dissatisfied with public transportation. In that survey, 85 percent said that they were somewhat or very dissatisfied with public transportation in the region, while 75 percent said they were dissatisfied with public transportation in their own communities.
When asked "Which THREE of these items do you think should receive the most emphasis from community leaders over the next THREE Years?" public transportation was identified as one of the three by 81 percent of respondents, with 38 percent listing it as Number 1.
With gas prices inching toward $4 a gallon, Detroiters may begin seeking alternate ways to get around town. Whether that’s by carpooling or riding the bus, public transit options can save both money and energy. In fact, recent statistics show that both SMART and DDOT are experiencing ridership growth.
Local organizations are seeing the trend and investigating ways to bring more mass transit options to southeast Michigan. The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT), Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), SEMCOG and others are in the midst of completing a Detroit Transit Options for Growth Study that will complement SEMCOG’s Ann Arbor to Detroit study. Other local groups, such as Transportation Riders United (TRU) and Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength (MOSES) are advocating for increased transportation options.
United Way, Model D and our OneD partners are interested in gauging current opinion and use of the region’s transit options. The results will form a baseline and help inform the public’s current use of transportation as well as its hope for future transportation options.
Please take a moment and fill out the
survey.Your answers will be confidential and no individual responses will be released to anyone.
One D is made up of: United Way for Southeastern Michigan, New Detroit, the Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit Renaissance, the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan.
United Way has other programs worth noting: the organizatrion connects individuals and groups with meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout the region. Through
Volunteer Solutions, United Way's online matching tool, you can find an opportunity that interests you and is close to home.
Dial 2-1-1 to be connected to more than 7,000 health and human services in southeast Michigan. Whether you need assistance or want to lend a hand,
2-1-1 is there for you.
Transit Photos Copyright Dave Krieger
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.