The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that as many at 3.5 million rural residents lost access to scheduled intercity transportation between 2005 and 2010, dropping the percent of rural residents with access to intercity air, bus, ferry or rail transportation to 89 percent.
The report, issued by the department's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), reported that 8.9 million rural residents lacked access to intercity transportation in 2010, up from 5.4 million in 2005.
In Michigan, 96.8% of rural residents live within service area containing at least one mode (air, rail, bus, ferry), down slightly from the 2005 figure of 97.1%. However, only about 50% of our states rural resdents live in a service area containing three or more modes.
Economic development and job growth in rural areas is as dependent on proper infrastructure as anywhere else. That is why the continuing debates on transportation funding and programs in Lansing and Washington will have as much impact on our rural communities as anywhere else
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail
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