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What is the RTP? On June 17, 2004, the draft 2030 Regional Transportation Plan for Southeast Michigan (RTP) was released for public comment. This special edition of Regional Update summarizes public involvement activities to date, responds to frequently heard comments, and identifies remaining comment opportunities. The comment period remains open until SEMCOG's General Assembly votes to adopt the plan on November 4, 2004. This transportation plan is the "blueprint" for developing a transportation system that is accessible, safe, and reliable and contributes to a higher quality of life. The 2030 transportation plan includes 1,614 projects totaling nearly $41 billion dollars — that's a $1.5 billion annual investment for roads and transit. Implementing the transportation plan will result in significant benefits for the region's travelers. Over 1,000 bridges and 6,000 miles of road will be repaired. Travel delay will be reduced. Security will be enhanced. Current transit services will be maintained. Nonmotorized travel will be improved. The economy will be supported by a more reliable freight system. Given the range of needs, the proposed 2030 transportation plan represents the best solution that is consistent with available resources. Since the transportation plan is reviewed and updated every three years, it is responsive to changing priorities. For more information, refer to pages 36-41 of the RTP document.
In July, SEMCOG hosted five Town Hall meetings allowing the public to review and comment on the draft 2030 plan. Comment topics ranged from transit to road conditions to elderly mobility. Attendees commented on several specific projects, such as the proposed I-75 interchange at Crooks/Long Lake in Troy, while others expressed general concerns about truck traffic and nonmotorized activities. The majority of comments pertained to the need for more and better transit. Attendees expressed frustration that the 2030 transportation plan doesn't do enough to promote transit (see transit article below). All comments will be thoroughly considered. Where appropriate, changes to the draft transportation plan will be made. For example, text explaining how the 2030 plan addresses transportation for persons with disabilities will be added. Project-specific comments and those comments not pertaining directly to the 2030 transportation plan will be forwarded to the appropriate agencies. A summary of comments and responses is available from SEMCOG Information Services.
SEMCOG proactively seeks citizen input on transportation issues and used those concerns in developing the draft 2030 plan. For example, the public told us that their most important transportation concerns are maintaining pavement in good condition, improving road safety, and providing public transit. Proposed spending mirrors these priorities. The plan dedicates $22.9 billion (or 56 percent of its funds) for maintaining roads, $222 million for safety projects, and $8.7 billion (or nearly 21 percent) for transit projects. It should be noted that safety projects are relatively inexpensive compared to pavement projects and the transportation plan contains a number of initiatives that improve transportation safety. For more information, refer to page 64 of the RTP document.
As noted above, approximately $8.7 billion will be available from federal, state, and local sources for transit capital expenses (buses and facilities) and operating expenses (driver salaries, fuel, and administration) for fiscal years 2005-2030. This money will be spent primarily on maintaining and operating existing services, with some minor expansion. In all, 20 percent of total plan funding is dedicated to transit. However, we need to do better. Better transit will help keep the region economically competitive, provide a higher quality of life, help alleviate road congestion, and serve those who cannot or choose not to drive. In 2001, SEMCOG adopted a regional transit vision, calling for 12 rapid transit lines, expanded fixed-route bus service, additional community transit, and regional links connecting the tri-county area with Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Washtenaw Counties. Full implementation would cost $7.2 billion between now and 2030 (in addition to existing funding previously described). A study of rapid transit between Ann Arbor and Detroit is currently underway. Unfortunately, other components of the transit vision cannot be programmed into the transportation plan at this time. No additional funds have been identified, and the transportation plan can only include projects the region can afford. It is possible to shift certain types of capital funds from road to transit projects, but they must be matched by funding from the transit agencies. In addition, such projects require operating dollars, which come almost exclusively from local resources. Eligible road funding is routinely shifted to transit operators to purchase buses, but no additional funding can be shifted until additional regional revenues are raised. Because funds do not currently exist to implement the transit plan doesn't mean it will never happen. This transportation plan is reviewed and updated every three years and is responsive to changing priorities. If the region wants more transit, it must come together to make it happen. The Detroit Area Regional Transportation Authority (DARTA) was created to move transit forward in Southeast Michigan. Transit proponents must work with DARTA to build consensus for raising additional revenues, make elected officials aware of the support for better transit, and ensure transit funding is spent efficiently.
SEMCOG's colorful display of information about the transportation plan has been exhibited in 43 libraries and other public facilities throughout the region. From Hartland and Howell, to Pontiac and Monroe, along with the Detroit Public Library, citizens have been able to review the key points of the plan during this important public comment period. There's still time to schedule the display in your library or other community facility. SEMCOG staff will deliver and pick up the display; it comes with tip cards about the plan that can be left for brochure racks or information tables. In addition, speakers are available to talk about the plan at civic group and other meetings. To borrow the display or arrange for a speaker, contact SEMCOG Information Services.
The 2030 transportation plan can be downloaded from SEMCOG's Web site — www.semcog.org. Printed copies are available from SEMCOG Information Services. Comments on the plan will be accepted until November 4, 2004.
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