More than half a century after regional transit plans in Detroit called for superhighways that accommodated rail rapid transit systems, Michigan lawmakers have passed legislation to create a coordinated public transit system for southeast Michigan.

A year of hard work by advocates and elected officials to bring one of the nation's largest cities comprehensive public transportation came to fruition as legislation creating the Detroit Area Regional Transportation Authority, or DARTA, narrowly passed the Senate in June. A slightly different version of the bill passed the House last December. The Senate bill is now awaiting either concurrence or request for a conference committee.

Some of the differences between the two bills relate to board representation, provisions for withdrawal by cities from DARTA, efficiency reporting criteria, and whether the system should primarily serve a transit-dependent population or the entire region more broadly. Many supporters are excited about the victory, but express concern about provisions included in the Senate version that may hinder this regional system.

"Clearly this is a win," said Karen Kendrick-Hands, President of Transportation Riders United. "But now we need to make sure this legislation comes out of conference focusing on an efficient and integrated regional transit system that serves both choice and disadvantaged transit riders. A system that serves one rather than the other will tend to further fragment, rather than unite, the region."

DARTA will ensure coordination of service routes and rates but does not require a merger of the region's two major transit providers: the Detroit Department of Transportation (D-DOT) and Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). The establishment of an oversight board in southeast Michigan will allow rapid transit plans, such as Speedlink, to become a reality. This new entity may be created as soon as October.

DARTA also has the potential to give southeast Michigan a fresh start in creating a regional, cooperative approach that will encourage investment and redevelopment of our urban areas.

Tom Barwin, Ferndale City Manager, understands the vital importance of the new entity. "If DARTA adopts a bold vision, we stand to greatly enhance our economy by bringing hundreds of millions of the public transit gas tax dollars, which we currently pay to Washington DC, back to metro Detroit's transit system," Barwin said. "In addition, building this system will create thousands of new jobs and new investments that will enhance the local property tax base. But the most important implication of DARTA is that it gives us the potential to enhance quality of life for all of our residents by providing individuals and families transit choices."

Although DARTA is close to being legislatively established, many issues are unresolved. For example, no administrative unit is complete without a budget or funding plan, which current legislation lacks. Consequently, continued grassroots efforts will be necessary to assure that DARTA creates world-class transit in southeast Michigan.

MEC wants to acknowledge that the DARTA victory was due in large part to the individual and collective efforts of our member groups. Thank-you and congratulations!