Mass transit in southeast Michigan -- and regionalism in general -- got a resounding boost last Tuesday, when voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties approved, by margins of more than 70%, a property tax renewal for SMART bus service.
Despite tough economic times and stridently anti-tax and anti-government campaign messages, SMART's level of voter support was the strongest yet, with 78% of Oakland County, 74% of Wayne County and 72% of Macomb County voting to renew the millage that pays for metro Detroit's only regional transportation service. It is fertile ground for further improvements.
The 0.59-mill property tax provides more than 40% of SMART's annual operating budget of $121 million. Rejecting it would have shut down the regional system, stranded tens of thousands of people who rely on SMART buses to get to work, and shredded the only foundation for an improved regional transportation system.
Most of the people who voted to renew the millage don't ride the bus. They nevertheless will support the economic, social and environmental benefits of mass transit -- if they are convinced their tax dollars are well-spent. With administrative costs 35% below the national average, SMART runs one of the nation's most efficient transit systems.
"People who don't ride still understand that transit is a necessity for some of their fellow citizens: workers riding to a job, seniors or people with disabilities who need to get around, and students getting to school," said SMART General Manager John Hertel.
The renewal should propel politicians and other community leaders to approve a Regional Transit Authority that will change how transit in southeast Michigan is funded.
The current system is neither adequate nor fair, providing the lowest per-capita funding among all urban regions. Because of plummeting property values, the millage renewal will provide as much as 11% less revenue, probably forcing SMART to cut some service.
Moreover, property taxes are a restrictive and regressive way to pay for transit services. A regional sales tax would provide a fairer and more logical way to pay.
Provisions that now allow communities to opt out of service ought to be ended. Transportation is a regional service that should be planned and funded regionally.
The election results show that virulent anti-transit, anti-tax and anti-regional attitudes reflect a minority of voters. Politicians should take note and promote policies that will produce a modern, adequately funded regional transit system for southeast Michigan.
http://www.freep.com/article/20100811/OPINION01/8110326/An-unambiguous-vote-of-confidence-for-public-transit#ixzz0wmJIqfNV