The League's 21c3 program has identified transit as a key asset of a vibrant 21st century communities transportation system, and a new report from the Brookings Institution explores the connection between public transit and getting people to work.
The report, "Missed Opportunity, Transit and Jobs in Metropolitan America", is labeled as a first of a kind analysis showing how transit system links workers to jobs, or not. And noting do so, seems to be more prevalent conclusion.
The report looks at the 100 largest metro regions in the country, including Detroit and Grand Rapids, and provides a extensive analysis of transit routes and schedules, demographic data and employment information to reveal how well transit in each of these metro areas serves cities and suburbs and lower- and higher-income neighborhoods, as well as how effective transit is in helping workers in these communities reach jobs within their regions.
At a time when gas prices continue to climb, policy makers in Michigan and Washington must commit the resources necessary for renewed investment in our transportation network. Such information as found in the Brookings report could go a long way to determining where and how investments should be made.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director 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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