by Jon King

A bipartisan legislative panel met for the first time Wednesday in Lansing with a focus on improving Michigan’s transit infrastructure.

Let by state Reps. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) and Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), the Public Transit Caucus focused its first meeting on what were described as “crucial issues” for the future of public transit in Michigan. 

These include strategies to enhance comprehensive transportation funding, increase state support for local bus services and develop a more expansive vision for statewide public transit access.  

“[The] inaugural meeting of the Public Transit Caucus signifies a turning point for Michigan’s transportation landscape,” said Morgan. “Through fostering bipartisan collaboration, we’re well-positioned to drive meaningful change and expand access to safe, reliable public transit options for all Michiganders.”

Earlier this month, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laid out her $80.7 billion Fiscal Year 2025 budget plan, which cut $40 million from spending on public transit, per the Michigan Environmental Council. The group noted transit was one of the key provisions highlighted in the Growing Michigan Together Council’s December report identifying ways Michigan could improve its economic competitiveness and attract young talent to the state.

Transportation Riders United also called for additional transit funding.

“The Growing Michigan Together report and MI Healthy Climate Plan both said expanding transit is essential. We’re disappointed that the Governor’s budget doesn’t provide the increased transit investments Michigan needs,” said Executive Director Megan Owens.

The groups said it was working with the new caucus and other lawmakers “to ensure local public transit gets the support it deserves so all Michiganders can get to work, doctors, grocery stores, and elsewhere, even if they don’t drive.”

According to a release, the bipartisan caucus consists of 47 legislators from both the House and Senate, with representation from across the state, including the Upper Peninsula. 

“Notably, the caucus includes three of the four chairs of the Transportation policy and appropriations committees in Michigan,” stated the release. 

According to a list from McFall’s office, those are state Rep. Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights), who chairs the House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee; state Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), who chairs the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee; and state Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), chair of the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee.

However, Morgan tells the Advance that they now have all four chairs, as state Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), who chairs the Senate Transportation Infrastructure Committee, joined the caucus and was at Wednesday’s meeting.

“The caucus just keeps growing every day!,” he said in an email.

“As co-founders of the Public Transit Caucus, Rep. Morgan and I are proud to lead this coalition of legislators united in our dedication to advancing public transit priorities,” McFall said. “We look forward to working with our colleagues in the legislature to deliver equitable transportation solutions for residents across the state.”

Other House members McFall’s office says have expressed an interest in the caucus are: Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), Natalie Price (D-Berkley), Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn), Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor), John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), Ken Borton (R-Gaylord), Sarah Lightner (R-Springport Twp.), Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Twp.), Donni Steele (R-Orion Twp.), Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), Gregory Alexander (R-Carsonville), Carol Glanville (D-Walker), Jenn Hill (D-Marquette), Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit), Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), Reggie Miller (D-Belleville), Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti), Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy), Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield), Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids), Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor), Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City) and Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing).

Senators are: Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), Kevin Daley (R-Lum), Roger Victory (R-Georgetown Twp.), Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.), Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) and Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit).