Frequently Asked Questions
Do we really need a public transit system?
Multiple studies have been conducted over the past several years, all showing the need for pubic transportation in Emmet Co. These include Emmet 20/20, the comprehensive NEMCOG/MDOT study done in 2005, the Corradino Study, and the 2008 Char-Em Community Needs Assessment. These studies can be found here.
Can a community like ours support a public transit system?
All of our neighboring counties and most rural counties in northern Michigan have a public transit system. The Benzie Bus system was started in 2007, and its ridership grew 75% in the first year. Public ridership in the U.S. is at its highest level since 1956.
How will it be paid for?
A Transit Authority would provide an opportunity to receive state and federal funding. This, together with a modest millage and fares, will fund the system. Emmet County currently provides support for Straits Regional Ride. (SRR). This could also be transferred to a new Emmet County authority or our participation in SRR could be expanded to provide more comprehensive service in Emmet County.
What will it cost ME?
A request for .30 mils will be made. For the average homeowner in Emmet County, this will be approximately the cost of one takeout pizza a year per household. For a home with a taxable value of $100,000, this would be $25 a year. Businesses with greater taxable value would pay proportionately more taxes. Businesses can also receive a tax credit for subsidizing employee transportation. Fares to ride would be between $2 - $3, with reduced prices for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Who develops a transit system?
The Emmet County Board of Commissioners would form a Transit Authority or Transportation Department. This entity would employ staff and implement the transit plan. We are already a partner in SRR, and our participation could be expanded as a multi-county transportation authority.
When will it start?
With Commissioners’ agreement, Emmet County residents could decide this issue on an early 2011 ballot. A system could begin running late in 2011.
Will an Emmet Co. system work together with Charlevoix Co. and other surrounding systems?
Charlevoix County has a desire to establish a multi-county transportation authority &/or work together with Emmet County. Straits Regional Ride will continue to work together with Emmet County. We envision a system which coordinates service between our neighboring counties.
How will it work?
Expansion of public transportation solutions in three Phases, through the development of a dial-a-ride service and limited fixed routes. Starting with limited hours and service, primarily demand-response (dial a ride) in and around Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and Alanson with a Pellston/Mackinaw flex/route. Services and routes would be revised and expanded, as demand increases. It won’t provide every ride that every person needs to every location, but it will make a huge difference in meeting the need.
Will Seniors lose their rides with the Friendship Center?
Friendship Center buses and service will be incorporated into the new system. Seniors and persons with disabilities will be given priority so no loss of service to this group will occur. With a more comprehensive system including additional buses and routing seniors will, over time, see an increase in service.
What are the Benefits to our Community?
A public transportation system in our community would meet many needs:
• Help people, especially low-income workers, get to jobs. Help businesses retain workers.
• Give people in the community greater access to cultural, leisure, and recreational activities
• Reduce traffic congestion
• Enhance access to downtown shopping
• Reduce energy consumption and harmful greenhouse gas emissions
• Bike racks on buses will allow recreational cyclists and commuters to ride the bus to work or trail heads and return by bike.
• Racks for skis and snowboards will allow youth and others to get to ski hills without a car.
• Provide dependable transportation to work, school, appointments, or shopping
• Lift-equipped buses will allow the disabled mobility and independence.
There are many economic benefits from public transportation which have been well documented. A transit system will assist in the economic development of both Petoskey and Emmet County.
- The Michigan House Committee on Transportation white paper, “Public Transportation in Michigan:
An Economic Development Tool Whose Time has Come” cites the economic benefits (1)
- Public transportation not only helps to maintain and create jobs, it also moves people to and from their jobs
- Lowers household expenses and frees up income for other needs
- Riding public transportation can save an individual an average of $9,068 a year based on the June 17, 2009 national average gas price (2)
- Every dollar spent on public transit returns $6 in economic returns, yielding $3 in local business sales (2)
- The proposed system would bring State and Federal dollars into Emmet County
June 2, 2010
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