LANSING – State Representative Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor), Chair of the House Transportation Committee, today announced the creation of a new Public Transit Subcommittee.
"Public transportation has been on the back burner in Michigan for far too long, and it's time for that to change," Hopgood said. "Public transit helps connect grandparents with their families; workers with their jobs; patients with their doctors. It's an important part of everyday life for many of our residents, and people want transportation options. In addition, public transportation is directly linked to the vitality of the state's economy and the need to bring Michigan's transportation systems into the 21st century. It's time we get serious about improving our public transit systems in Southeast Michigan and throughout the state."
Hundreds of thousands of Michigan citizens rely on public transportation every day either because they choose to commute using public transportation or because they don't have vehicles of their own.
"We cannot leave a single person behind if Michigan is to grow and prosper," Hopgood said.
The Committee will address a wide variety of transit issues including the improvement of bus systems, funding issues, accessibility and the development of public transit systems in communities around the state.
State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak), a longtime advocate for improving and expanding public transportation throughout Michigan, will serve as Chair of the Public Transit Subcommittee.
"I'm excited to have this opportunity to address this important issue," Donigan said. "Improving public transportation is a key part of our multi-pronged effort to bring jobs and economic development to Michigan. States that have thriving cities also have thriving public transit systems. As we work to make Michigan a leader in the 21st century economy, we must focus on improving and expanding our public transit system throughout the state."