Take next transit step: A regional authority

The Michigan Legislature stands poised to establish a Regional Transit Authority for southeast Michigan -- a key for developing regional transit and putting metro Detroit firmly in line for federal transportation funds.

But if the authority isn't created, this area won't get its due with regard to transit, and will fall behind urban areas like Denver and even Grand Rapids, where elected officials have already demonstrated their ability to collaborate on regional plans.

This plan must move forward, but with strict timelines for developing a funding plan -- most likely a regional sales tax.

The transit bills, which will get hearings today before the House Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs Committee, call for a governing board appointed by the mayor of Detroit, executives of Wayne and Oakland Counties, the chairperson of the Macomb County Commission, and the governor. The authority would hire a CEO to construct and operate a regional transit system. It would also have the authority to tax -- but only after a vote of the people.

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