Lansing Takes Aim at Wayne County Transit Opt-Outs
In a remarkable decision made by the Michigan House on Tuesday, a significant bill was pushed through with a close 56-52 vote, setting the stage for major changes in public transit across Wayne County. Sponsored by state representative Alabas Farhat from Dearborn, this legislation aims to put an end to the communities in Wayne County that have opted out of participating in the region’s public transit system, particularly the SMART bus system.
Understanding the Bill and Its Implications
Under the new bill, the 17 Wayne County communities that currently shy away from the SMART system will be required to join in on voting with the rest of the county the next time the local millage comes up for renewal in 2026. This current millage rests at about 1 mill, and the legislation aims to ensure that these communities don’t continue ignoring regional transit needs.
Farhat expressed his concern saying, “Right now, we have a patchwork of transit systems in Wayne County. That’s causing real problems for residents to get around.” It’s easy to see why this matters; when communities operate with different transit systems, it can create confusion and complications for residents trying to navigate across different municipalities.
Communities Affected by the Change
Among the 17 communities facing this potential transition are notable names like Livonia, Canton Township, Northville, and, of course, Detroit, which has its own distinct bus system. Besides these larger communities, others facing changes will include Belleville, Brownstown Township, Flat Rock, and several more.
Interestingly, out of all opt-out communities, only Detroit doesn’t pay the 0.994-mill levy for the SMART service while still benefiting from its offerings through buses that traverse major corridors leading into the suburbs. This unique advantage puts other communities at a disadvantage, considering they are missing out on vital transit funds.
A Shift to Collective Benefits
Advocates for the bill, like Farhat, argue that if these communities do end up joining the SMART bus system, the funds raised from the millage would be directed toward an authority capable of redistributing those funds to not only the SMART system but also to vital local transit services such as the Detroit Department of Transportation and Livonia’s own transit operations.
To draw comparisons, it’s worth noting that back in 2022, voters in Oakland County successfully approved a SMART millage renewal that also eliminated the opt-out option, despite many local leaders voicing their opposition. Meanwhile, Macomb County has never allowed its communities to opt out of its countywide SMART millage, suggesting a trend toward unified public transit service across the board.
What’s Next?
As this bill makes its way to the Senate, it could reshape the transportation landscape for many residents of Wayne County. If passed, it’s likely that the opt-out communities—some having stayed out of the SMART system for nearly 40 years—will need to join a county-wide initiative that aims to simplify and enhance the public transportation experience for everyone involved.
With regional cooperation being the name of the game, the hope is that better connectivity will result in not only reduced travel woes for commuters but also a stronger transit system that serves the needs of all Wayne County residents.
