Affordability is often discussed as a housing issue, but in mostly rural, sprawling northwest Michigan, affordability is inextricably linked to the costs of transportation. We strive to provide affordable transportation alternatives for our workforce and celebrate when those options are made available. BATA’s regional bus service is an underutilized asset that is well positioned to address the region’s affordability and affordable housing dual conundrums.
The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA), which provides bus service for the Grand Traverse area, will ask local voters for continued support during a May 2 millage. Groundwork fully supports this millage because we believe that BATA provides a crucial service for the future of the region.
The Michigan Land Use Institute is pleased to submit the following comments to the TC-TALUS Board regarding the TC-TALUS Long-Range Plan.
Jemario Raglin said he was struggling with geometry, so he sought help from a tutor offered via SEEDS at Benzie County Central High School. To help make that program work, SEEDS relies on the county’s public transit system.
Andy Crosby is a great example of a growing trend: Young, talented people are choosing to live in places that offer more transportation choices.
With approximately 5,200 students enrolled at NMC, and with many commuting by car, some are exploring better ways to help alleviate the transportation burdens the spread-out region’s young people bear.