A coalition of more than 30 organizations representing riders, workers, seniors, people with disabilities, environmental advocates, and transit providers is calling on state lawmakers to strengthen FY 2027 public transit funding to prevent service cuts across Michigan.

The coalition released a joint letter today to members of the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer, urging lawmakers to increase Local Bus Operating (LBO) funding to at least $330 million—a level coalition members say is achievable with existing transportation revenues and necessary to keep transit services running as costs rise.

The letter accompanied a virtual press conference held earlier today, where transit riders, workers, providers, and policy leaders described the real‑world consequences of continued underfunding and answered questions from reporters.

Recording of Virtual Press Conference on Transit Funding

What Coalition Members Are Saying

“If the state’s investments in public transit fail to keep up with rising costs and growing needs, transit agencies may be forced to cut routes, shorten hours, and turn away people who need rides.”
— Megan Owens, Executive Director, Transportation Riders United

“By law and prior practice, our state support used to cover half or more of local transit expenses. That support now amounts to less than one‑third, and that gap is showing up in the services and the strain.  With agency services already stretched, now is not the time for our state budget to underfund critical local transit services. ”
— John Dulmes, Executive Director, Michigan Public Transit Association

“Public transportation is not a luxury — it is a necessity for thousands of Michigan residents every single day.”
— Melvin Turnbo, President & Business Agent, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 836

“We provide services in areas where Uber and Lyft do not exist, so without us, many people would not be able to get out of their homes to medical appointments, work, or groceries…I don’t want to be the one to tell riders, ‘I’m sorry, we can’t take you today, because we don’t have the money to pay for the gas.’”
— Kim Viener, Executive Director, Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA)

“When state budgets don’t keep up with the cost of operating transit agencies, those decisions ripple through our environment, our economy, and the long‑term strength of our communities.”
— Ross Gavin, Policy Director, Michigan Environmental Council

The coalition warns that House budget proposals that limit LBO funding to $290 million would result in reduced reimbursement rates and likely service cuts beginning this fall, even as gas prices and household transportation costs remain high.

“Michigan can fund new transportation programs and maintain transit service at the same time,” the letter states. “The question is whether lawmakers will prioritize keeping buses on the road for the people who rely on them every day.”