Transportation Subcommittee
Purpose
Working to ensure economical, easily available transportation to meet basic needs.
Facts
- In 2007, The Rapid set another ride record with over 8.0 million provided.
- The Ride Link system provided 46,000 rides, a 12.3% increase, while using 2006 level resources.
- The continuing Michigan fiscal crisis wiped out the gains made in FY 2007 State funding for public transit.
2007-2008 Accomplishments
- Ride Link, the single access medical transit system, launched in January 2006 with seniors piloting; became fully operational by the end of 2007.
- The May 8, 2007 transit millage for the Rapid was passed with 58% yes votes.
- Kent County’s Board of Commissioners’ Public Transit Subcommittee issued its interim report sending the county-wide transit needs issue for analysis and action to the Grand Valley Metro Council.
2008-2009 Agenda
- Continue to work on priorities in the Getting There Together (GTT) strategic plan, especially securing funding for the county-wide public transit needs analysis.
- Continue to oversee developing the Ride Link single access transportation system.
- Continue advocating for adequate state transit funding, both for operating support and capital match.
- Release the updated Kent County Healthcare Transportation Resource Directory, published first in 2004, and disseminate via the County’s website and other means.
- Continue working with the ENTF Food Subcommittee on an in-depth review of product transportation issues and resources within the food assistance system.
- Pursue details of coordinated public transit supporting self-sufficiency with the ENTF Coalition to End Homelessness.
