Reliable, frequent and connected regional transit is essential for a modern city to grow and compete. It connects people to jobs, boosts economic development, enables independence for seniors and people with disabilities, attracts and retains talent, and improves quality of life.
Connecting People to Jobs
Employees and employers alike need frequent, reliable regional transit. Research shows that 92 percent of jobs in Southeast Michigan cannot be reached within 60 minutes by regional public transit.1 And modern regional transit can provide a convenient alternative for commuters that would otherwise be sitting in traffic.
Boosting Economic Development
High-quality regional transit spurs economic development and growth. Research shows that for every one dollar invested in regional transit, the region sees four dollars in economic benefit. Moreover, home values performed 42 percent better on average if they are located near regional transit with high frequency service.
Independence for Seniors
Seniors rely on reliable, connected and frequent regional transit for independence. Research shows 83 percent of older Americans say public transit offers easy access to everyday life.1 According to the AARP, over 20 percent of older adults age 65+ do not drive and a lack of adequate access to reliable regional transit severely limits their independence.
Independence for People with Disabilities
People with disabilities need reliable and frequent regional transit to travel freely in the region. According to the CDC, adults with disabilities are twice as likely as adults without disabilities to lack adequate access to regional transit, preventing them from getting to work on time, shopping or causing them to miss health appointments.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
Young people want to live in regions with reliable regional transit. A recent Crain’s Detroit Business survey found that 73 percent of millennials listed regional transit as their number one wish for Southeast Michigan. Cities like Chicago that invest in regional transit are already seeing the benefits of attracting and retaining talent.
Improving Quality of Life
Modern regional transit will provide convenient new options for people throughout the region to travel not only to work – but to sporting events, entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, arts and cultural institutions, and more.