Transportation Subcommittee
Purpose
Working to ensure economical, easily available transportation to meet basic needs.
Facts
- In 2010, The Rapid provided over 9.7 million rides. By early FY 2011 (October to January), ridership grew another 7.9%.
- RideLink, the single access system, met seniors’ transportation needs within Kent County providers’ capacity constraints.
- Michigan’s fiscal crisis caused reduced state support for public transportation operational and capital needs.
2010-2011 Accomplishments
- RideLink continued to develop with leadership from staff of the Kent County Senior Millage program, The Rapid and the providers. The Rapid filled state budget cut funding gaps.
- ENTF members worked on The Rapid’s Transit Master Plan, and Friends of Transit, millage vote, successfully gaining first phase Plan enhancement funding.
- Placed an updated version of the Kent County Healthcare Transportation Resource Directory; first published in 2004.
- Members worked on the Kent County Public Transit Needs Assessment and Metro Council’s Sustainable Communities Initiative grant submission.
2011-2012 Agenda
- Continue to work on the priorities within the Getting There Together (GTT) strategic plan, especially engaging ENTF members and the wider community on the recommendations of the Kent County Public Transit Needs Assessment to be released May 2011.
- Continue working to develop and expand RideLink especially focusing on non-senior medical trips.
- Advocate with the new, Trans4M, state level coalition (Transportation for Michigan), for adequate state operating support and capital match funding.
