FeedsPublic transportation time is now
“Did that sign say $3.79,” I said to myself while passing a gas station on Michigan Avenue before crossing I-275.
From Plymouth to Inkster and across the nation, Americans of all income levels are equally feeling the pain at the pump. With gas prices inching closer to the $4 a gallon threshold and prognosticators predicting the possibility of $5 a a gallon gas less than a year from now, (we’re not even going to discuss diesel) it’s time for communities to have a serious discussion about public transportation.
Two weeks ago, Hayes Jones, the general manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) told more than 100 local civic and business leaders in order for the concept of regional transportation to work, all communities in the region need to participate including Plymouth and Plymouth Township.
While the Plymouth municipalities, with the help of the Plymouth Community United Way and Plymouth Council on Aging, do an excellent job transporting area seniors through the community, Plymouth is an island unto itself unless you have a vehicle.
Downtown Plymouth is a bustling destination with dozens of shops and restaurants within steps of Kellogg Park. However, many without cars in Detroit and other areas in southeastern Michigan have no opportunity to dine or make purchases there.
If you are looking for a position with Comcast or one of the major companies and corporations in Plymouth Township, better have a reliable vehicle or else.
A 25-year old woman named Brooke, who works for a major company in Plymouth Township, said she spends more than $100 a week to arrive to work from her home in Detroit after her car would no longer function.
“I like my job, it’s just hard to get there,” she said.
The issue with transportation isn’t necessarily about whether people in Detroit have access to the suburbs as much as it is how many local residents would rather take the bus into the city or surrounding communities. According to SMART travel statistics, 50 percent of users live outside of Detroit and use the bus system to travel to other suburban destinations.
If a high school student who lives in Plymouth Township could catch a bus to go to work at the new Kohl store at Michigan Avenue and Beck roads in Canton Township, the student could save more of her paycheck instead of spending a huge portion of it on gas.
As for gas prices, the more people using public transportation the less gas used in their vehicles. The price of gas will go down once there is a serious commitment by consumers to cut back on their purchases.
Of course there are many issues to address before Plymouth becomes the next destination of SMART. Where should the bus stops go? What does it mean for municipal noise levels and pollution? How much will SMART cost local taxpayers? Is there a want or a need for the service? All questions are legitimate and SMART must have answers.
I’m sure municipal leaders will make the best decision for constituents.
Its just time, with gas prices breaking new records daily, to have the discussion about public transportation.
