Michigan Public Transit Association

06/01/2026

"A more connected and inclusive transit system would do so much more than move people from one place to another. It would open doors for thousands of individuals who are ready to step through them, but have been standing on the other side for far too long."

Inadequate public transit in southeast Michigan hinders independence and employment for over half a million residents with disabilities.

05/20/2026

Today, the Michigan Public Transit Association was represented by our legislative committee chair, Heidi Wenzel from Ionia Dial a Ride, along with Executive Director John Dulmes and lobbyist Dusty Fancher, in a number of key conversations with legislators on our state budget.

Sustainable state funding is key to supporting local transit services, particularly at a time when high gas prices are straining budgets.

We encourage our members to connect with their legislators over the coming weeks to reinforce transit's legislative priorities.

05/15/2026

We would like to share the details for a celebration of life for family and friends of Joe DeKoning to gather this summer - Saturday, June 27th at 2:00pm in Lake Leelenau.
Please RSVP if possible with us so we can share a headcount with the family.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44AAAC2BA4FAC52-64111035-joedekoning

05/14/2026

🚍 Transit service cuts are on the table — and they don’t have to be.

A coalition of 30+ Michigan organizations has released a joint letter urging state lawmakers to strengthen FY 2027 public transit funding and prevent bus service cuts across the state.

With gas prices high and household transportation costs rising, underfunding transit would leave workers, seniors, students, and people with disabilities with fewer and more expensive ways to get where they need to go.

📣 The coalition also held a virtual press conference today with transit riders, workers, providers, and advocates sharing what’s at stake.
👉 Read the press release and coalition letter (and access the press conference recording):
🔗 https://members.mptaonline.org/press-releases/Details/coalition-of-30-organizations-calls-on-legislature-to-prevent-transit-service-cuts-amidst-record-fuel-prices-332216

Public transportation isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.

A coalition of more than 30 organizations representing riders, workers, seniors, people with disabilities, environmental advocates, and transit providers is calling on state lawmakers to strengthen FY 2027 public transit funding to prevent service cuts across Michigan. The coalition released a...

05/11/2026

Congratulations to Gladwin City County Transit driver Jeremy Fetterolf on your 3rd place finish at the 2026 CTAA National Community Transportation Roadeo!

Michigan transit is well-represented and highly recognized for our leadership in transit with national peers.

05/08/2026

Rob Branch has spent a 40-year career Metro Transit maintaining the agency's fleet and facilities. He also chairs the MPTA's Maintenance Committee and contributes greatly to training and support for peer agencies across the state.

Thanks for all you do, Rob!

In Kalamazoo, longtime Metro Transit leader Rob Branch turned lessons from his father and a passion for skilled trades into a 40-year career overseeing fleet operations that keep the community moving.

05/07/2026

"For many commuters, the decision ultimately comes down to cost, and they say public transit is becoming a more affordable option."

Public transportation serves nearly every community in Michigan with essential rides for those who need it and those who are increasingly choosing the bus as an affordable alternative to driving.

BP refinery outage pushes Mid-Michigan gas toward $5/gallon; bus ridership jumps.

05/06/2026

The Michigan Public Transit Association would like to extend a huge congratulations to Macatawa Area Express (MAX Transit) on the successful passage of their operating millage yesterday!

Voters in both Ottawa and Allegan Counties showed overwhelming support for the expansion of microtransit and the continuation of essential services, with the proposal passing by a decisive 70% margin.

While Michigan transit millages historically enjoy a high success rate—passing more than 90% of the time—this local victory is a testament to the hard work the MAX team puts in every day to keep the Holland area moving.

05/05/2026

🚍✨ Nominations are OPEN for the 2026 Michigan Transit Impact Awards! ✨🚍

Do you know a transit professional, project, partner, or agency that deserves to be recognized? Now’s the time to shine a spotlight on the people and ideas making a real difference in communities across Michigan.

✅ All Michigan transit providers are eligible — including rural, urban, 5310/specialized services providers, and agencies that are not MPTA members
✅ Self-nominations are encouraged
✅ Categories include Rising Star, Innovative Project, Outstanding Communications, Friend of Michigan Transit, and our statewide Photo Contest

Awardees will be recognized at the Michigan Public Transportation Conference this summer. Don’t wait—nominations are due by Friday, July 10 (earlier is better!).

👉 Submit a nomination or photos here: https://www.mptaonline.org/awards/

Let’s celebrate the impact of public transit in every corner of Michigan.