Presented by: Michigan Public Transit Association Public Transportation: Moving Michigan Forward in the 21 st Century Place your logo here

Public Transportation is key to Moving Michigan Forward Our economy Creates jobs – employs 5,800 Michigan citizens Economic investment – brings $3.5 billion investment to state Our people Seniors, the disabled, students, those who are too young or too old to drive, people choosing to ride all use public transit Our quality of life Creates a healthier and safer environment, contributes to MI’s green, clean economy Reduces traffic congestion, improved air quality

Now is the Time to Invest – Why? Increased demand – More residents are choosing public transit Michigan’s three largest industries depend on transportation system 1. Manufacturing 2. Agriculture 3. Tourism Not a political issue, it’s a safety and economic issue

Transit Supports our Economy Public transportation takes people to their jobs, stores, downtown areas, medical and entertainment venues Mass transit is a $560 million industry – generates $3.5 billion in economic benefits employs 5,800 Michiganians For every dollar invested in public transit, we receive $3-9 in return 77 percent of New Economy companies rate public transportation as “very important” when determining where to locate Saves residents time and money Time lost in congestion, excess fuel used, and frustration

Public Transit Moves our People All Michigan residents benefit from public transit Cleaner air Less congestion Money saved Less accidents Reliable, dependable

Those with no other means of travel low income, people with disabilities, those too young or too old to drive Business owners see increased foot traffic from mass transit, gives employees reliable way to get to work Parents count on transit as a safe ride for their children Those hit hardest by the economy – those who have lost their homes, cars and jobs - depend on public transportation for independence and mobility For seniors, viable, accessible transportation is essential to maintain independence, physical/mental well-being and even residences Public Transit Moves our People

Protecting Our Environment The benefits of public transit far exceed any other energy-saving household activities i.e. energy-efficient light bulbs, adjusting thermostats, etc. A bus is twice as efficient as an automobile per passenger mile Would reduce dependence on foreign oil imports by 40 percent if just one in 10 citizens took the bus daily Transit contributes to Michigan’s green technology industry and job growth

The Situation State revenues for public transportation come from the Comprehensive Transportation Fund (CTF) Loss of funding – decreased X amount in X years SB 1164 – taking from CTF Services being cut, Projects don’t have enough funding to move forward What do Legislators need to do? Allocate funding sources to reflect the growing need for public transit Identify reliable, long-term revenue sources to support public transit Match federal funding dollars so we get as much money as possible from the government

Contact your local legislator Visit and sign the online petitionwww.DriveMI.org Send a postcard Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper Plan educational events in your community Attend City Council meetings What can we do?

Take Action – Public Transit Moves Michigan forward! Our Economy Creates jobs, high return on investment Brings people to areas where they can support local businesses Our People Seniors, the disabled, students, those who are too young or too old to drive, people choosing to ride Our quality of life Healthier and safer environment Reduced traffic and improved air quality