E-M:/ Survey: Metro Detroiters support better public transit, new tax to fund it

[Kelly Thayer <kelly@mlui.org>]

March 27, 2001

To: Enviro-Mich
From: Kelly Thayer, Michigan Land Use Institute

Folks:

Here's some good news for those working to enhance quality of life in
Michigan by stopping sprawl, protecting the environment, and promoting
transportation choices.

If the state and regional governments give residents an option, many will
climb out of their cars and climb aboard world-class buses and trains,
together with those who lack an alternative. Here's proof...


Survey: Metro Detroiters support better public transit,
new tax to fund it
 
Southeast Michigan residents want a new transit system and are willing to
pay for it, a new Southeast Michigan Council of Governments survey
reveals.

Details:
*When those who responded they were somewhat likely to use a new
transit system (35 percent) are combined with those very likely to use a
new transit system (42 percent), 77 percent of respondents would
likely use a new system.

*The survey also revealed that 59 percent of respondents indicated
that they would support additional funding for a new public transit
system. Only 14 percent indicated they would oppose such a tax and 27
percent were unsure.

*Conditions of road surfaces was cited as the highest-ranked problem
with the current transportation system, followed by: 
      -transportation for older people,
      -transportation for disabled people,
      -transportation for people without a
dependable car,

     

and
      -transportation for people who would
prefer an

   

alternative to driving.

For complete survey results, visit the SEMCOG web site at:
http://www.semcog.org/news/releases/surveyresults.html

.................................
Sunday's Detroit Free Press editorial:

Transit Push
Leaders should get on board with public
March 25, 2001

A just-released survey by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments should add some gas to improving transit in metro Detroit...
http://www.freep.com/voices/editorials/etax25_20010325.htm

.....................
Great Lakes Bulletin

The Michigan Land Use Institute's current issue of the Great Lakes Bulletin magazine carries a package of articles about transit successes across the nation and the prospects for world-class buses and trains in Michigan.
On the Internet: http://www.mlui.org/
Or call or e-mail and ask for a copy: (231)-882-4723, kelly@mlui.org



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*************************************
Mr. Kelly Thayer
Transportation Project Coordinator
Michigan Land Use Institute
P.O. Box 228
845 Michigan Ave.
Benzonia, MI 49616

Ph: 231-882-4723
Fax: 231-882-7350
E-mail: kelly@mlui.org
Internet: http://www.mlui.org/