Business Leaders for Michigan

Regional transit has emerged as a symbol of functionality for Metro Detroit. Development and implementation of an efficient, integrated system requires equal involvement and equal sacrifice from all levels of leadership, in every county and community. It requires everyone to be on the same page and for everyone to agree to set aside individual interests and work for the common good. For that reason alone, it is vital to make progress on transit because it will demonstrate regional unity.

But there are other very important reasons as well. Regional transit can be an important economic development driver; as we work to increase business activity we need an improved transit system to facilitate that. As the economy grows, so will the region’s tax bases, which in turn will increase educational resources. Getting people moving is a basic regional need, one that will serve as a catalyst for so many other improvements. The systemized nature of regional transit will cross political boundaries, racial boundaries – and really connect what is today a pretty disconnected community.

The structural history of the Detroit region has seen a disheartening pattern: If it seems as though a project is benefiting one community more than another, all progress tends to stop. This trend will be turned on its head as true regional transit plans develop. The economic times we are in have begun to make people realize that what benefits one really benefits everybody. Self-interest should drive support for this critical initiative.

We have our work cut out for us as we press ahead to forge a system as unique as our region. Metro Detroit is very geographically dispersed, and models such as those being used in New York or Philadelphia simply will not work here. While we can have systems like those in more densely populated areas – for example, a fixed rail line up Woodward Avenue running from Detroit to Pontiac – we will rely on more flexible transit modes in other areas, such as rapid bus systems or dedicated road lanes for carpools. There are also strategic rail lines that make tremendous sense, such as a line from Detroit to Ann Arbor through Detroit Metro Airport. The key to putting together the best system for our region is to know and acknowledge the unique characteristics of how we travel.

The good news is that today’s regional politics are better than they’ve ever been for getting this done, and funding is beginning to fall in place. What is most important is for the people of the region to voice their opinion and voice their support for progress, and to hold leaders accountable for actually following through. Business Leaders for Michigan aims to help the Detroit Region work together, and we are ready to stand behind this initiative and work to help bring about the unity and commitment to see it happen.