2026 Upper Peninsula Regional Transit Meeting

Description

Join transit providers from Michigan's Upper Peninsula and beyond for a complimentary regional meeting, including an evening social activity, a morning business meeting, and a high-value training session.

Thursday, June 11th

• 4:30pm - gather at Ludington Park for waterfront walk
• Optional guided tour of Sand Point Lighthouse and Delta Historical Museum 
• 6:30pm - happy hour drinks at Freshwater Taven
• 7:00pm - dinner at Freshwater Taven
• Overnight rooms available at Terrace Bay Hotel: room options range from $139 - $189, plus tax. Please use promo code MPTA26

Friday, June 12th

• 8:00am - breakfast available at Delta Area Transit Authority
• 9:00am - meeting for MPTA Board of Directors and guests
• 10:00am - joined by legislators and other community partners
• 10:30am - optional tour of DATA
• 11:00am - RTAP-eligible training on "Strengthening Rural Transit Readiness for Upcoming Funding Opportunities"
  • This training will help rural transit agencies build a clear strategic foundation for developing strong, competitive project concepts ahead of Notice of Funding Opportunities. Participants will learn how to assess eligibility, understand required timelines, and identify the early planning steps needed to position projects for successful inclusion in MDOT‑submitted applications. The session will also highlight common challenges small agencies face and offer practical strategies to improve project justification and readiness. Presenters may include MDOT staff, consultants, or peer transit agencies (like EUPTA) as possible contributors to the discussion. By the end, attendees will be better prepared to shape fundable ideas before NOFOs are released and to confidently engage in the application process.
  • Presenters: Nathan Macek, Infrastructure Finance Director, HDR
    Brian Kass and Andrea Lubejko, MDOT