Michigan House approves regional transit authority including Washtenaw County in 57-50 vote
Update: Senate Bill 911, which allows for the collection of new vehicle registration fees to fund the RTA, also passed through the House by a vote of 57-50. Earlier on Thursday, the House had taken action only to pass SB 909, the RTA enabling legislation.
On a third try, legislation to create a Southeast Michigan Regional Transit Authority including Washtenaw County passed through the state House on Thursday afternoon.
The vote was 57-50 with three Democrats not voting.
Jeff Irwin
"Today the legislature formed an RTA that makes rail nearly impossible," Irwin added, referring to a clause that requires unanimous approval from all voting members of the RTA to acquire, construct, operate or maintain any form of passenger rail service.
"That's bad for Washtenaw because the most logical and cost-effective regional service would be along the tracks that the public already owns," he said. "Also, this move threatens to create another level of bureaucracy and administrative waste without any additional funding for moving passengers."
A companion bill that allows new RTA funding options, including a local vehicle registration fee, did not have sufficient support and was pulled from the board.
"In other words, the funding mechanism was not passed and, unless it is, there will be not much to talk about at this new agency," Irwin said.
The RTA would be in charge of coordinating public transit within a region consisting of Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
The legislation makes it clear a major focus would be implementing a rolling rapid transit system — or bus rapid transit — within the four counties.
Senate Bill 909 specifically enables the RTA to plan and implement a bus rapid transit system on four corridors, including a 47-mile route between downtown Detroit and the Blake Transit Center in Ann Arbor, with station stops in at least Ypsilanti, Detroit Metro Airport and Dearborn.
The legislation is headed to Gov. Rick Snyder's desk to be signed into law. Snyder has made creation of an RTA for Southeast Michigan a top priority in the Legislature's lame duck session.
Assuming the bill gets signed into law, Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje said the city will join the AATA in fighting to get Washtenaw County removed in the next legislative session.
"I don't think my position has changed a bit," he said. "This is not a good thing for Ann Arbor and I don't believe it's a good thing for Washtenaw County."
John Hieftje
The AATA is probably the best run transit service in the state, he said, and transit agencies to the east are a different story.
"It's a complicated political picture in Wayne County and those areas and I don't understand why anyone in Washtenaw County would want to become embroiled in that," he said.
"There's a loss of control of some of our federal funding," he added, "and a loss of control of some of the new revenues that would come if a new tax were passed."
Hieftje said getting Washtenaw County out of the RTA will be a challenge, but the governor seems willing to cooperate.
It was lame duck politics that kept it from being removed for now. Republicans were afraid the bill wouldn't have the votes if it was amended and sent back to the Senate.
Washtenaw County Board Chairman Conan Smith, D-Ann Arbor, had been aggressively lobbying for passage of the RTA legislation with Washtenaw County included. Smith argued earlier this week it's important for Washtenaw County and Ann Arbor to be connected to the rest of the region, and he believes the RTA will create opportunities for new funding streams and increased connectivity.
State Rep. Rick Olson, R-York Township, said he would have liked to exclude Washtenaw County, but it just wasn't in the cards at this point.
Previous story: Ann Arbor opposes legislation that includes Washtenaw County in regional transit authority
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
CynicA2
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
This is hilarious! Dem vs. Dem in a cat fight over various public transportation and passenger rail boondoggles - all of which are likely to fizzle, or never come to pass in the first place, as a result of their divisive squabbling over who should be included in the festivities. Don't worry, kids - most of those federal bucks will probably vanish in the deal to avoid the fiscal cliff - and the license fee thing might buy a couple new buses you can fight over... have fun!
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
@Jack Eaton: Conan Smith is political toast in this town. Trust me. He he's burned so many bridges over the past year, one can only think he's already discussed a job in Lansing working 'with' Rick Snyder. He sat on his hands during the 2010 election for Governor because his 'mommy' wasn't on the ticket, he's done nothing while on the County Commission , he's had nothing but praise for the emergency manager power grab, and now he's sold out the City and the County in a clear conflict of interest with his lobbyist day job. If he's still thinks there is some DNA entitlement to become Mayor of Ann Arbor, he's out of touch with political reality. Some of us still remember Al Wheeler around here and, you Mr. Smith, are no Al Wheeler.
Ron Granger
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 2:54 p.m.
Well said.
st.julian
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 3:14 a.m.
Connan Smith needs to be recalled.
average joe
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 11:18 a.m.
I read that his wife was the co-sponsor of the bill. Her too?
Vivienne Armentrout
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 12:23 a.m.
SB 911 (the vehicle license fee) just passed the House. So now the RTA also has a funding mechanism.
murph
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
Ron: the legislation requires that at least 85% of the funding raised in a given county be spent in a given county. If you do some quick math on the number and value of vehicles in various counties, you'll quickly figure out that Washtenaw County isn't likely to be a donor in this arrangement.
John Q
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 1:47 a.m.
What makes anyone think that voters in SE Michigan are going to approve this? Sorry, it's not going to happen.
Ron Granger
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 12:53 a.m.
Yay! We can be forced to send more dollars to Detroit! I'm sure they'll be spread around wisely.
Jason
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
I'm sorry Ryan, I'm sorry that your editors don't see this as bigger news and this isn't the top story on the main page today. Seriously. God forbid Blimpy Burger shut down, but news that will actually affect nearly everyone in not just Ann Arbor but Washtenaw County as well, isn't that important apparently. This, along with the news about right-to-work, is the top story at every major news outlet in the state. But at AnnArbor.com it's Blimpy Burger shutting down. Amazing.
Stephen Landes
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
The Mayor and all his Democrat buddies have on;y their own party to blame for our inclusion in the RTA. It is the Democrats who are refusing to handle any legislation because they are so opposed to the possibility of a right to work law being introduced into the Legislature. This seems to be the Democrat way -- when you can't win an argument on its merits resort to bully tactics, refuse to do the People's business, or leave town so a quorum can't be achieved. If Republicans did this the Left would be up in arms -- and rightfully so. Act on legislation before in good faith. If you don't support right to work stand up and make the argument. Don't let your union thug-buddies try to bully the Legislature by storming the Senate. I've really had enough of this behavior.
John Q
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 1:45 a.m.
What are you talking about? The Republicans didn't allow any amendments.
Myles
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 11:28 p.m.
Yay. its about time. We're only 40 years late...
Veracity
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
Do not expect Ann Arbor to benefit from the RTA and may actually experience a reduction in funding and services over time. Read the SB909 bill. Sorry.
pseudo
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:53 p.m.
thanks Conan (NOT). we agree on many many things but this, this will cost you my vote my organizing. Somebody steps up to run against you and I will help them win. Its unfortunate that you personally want so badly to be part of the mess that is the other three counties involved and worked so hard to pass it. Most of us here in Washtenaw County do not. We want an opportunity for rail - to go farther, faster. And, no we don't want to expand our bus system ... or did you miss that vote?
Larry Baird
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:51 p.m.
So the mayor fully supports commuter trains to Howell and Detroit, yet "....he wishes the other three counties luck in creating an efficient transit service, but he doesn't want Ann Arbor roped in because it already has a good thing going." Does he really believe Ann Arbor and/or Washtenaw County can run their own commuter trains without any kind of financial partnership with Wayne or Livingston County?
Jack Eaton
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:37 p.m.
Should Conan Smith follow through with his threat to run for Mayor of Ann Arbor, residents will need to remember his efforts to get these bills passed. He placed the interests of his employer, Michigan Suburbs Alliance, before the interests of his elected position. The County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution clearly and explicitly withdrawing support for Governor Snyder's Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Mr. Smith ignored the responsibilities of his elected office and lobbied for these bills. The Michigan Suburbs Alliance has many other staff members who could have expressed that organization's support for the RTA. But the Chair of the County Board of Commissioners chose to personally push this issue. This is a sad lapse of judgment.
Veracity
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 3:59 p.m.
Do you think that Conan will accept the CEO position with the RTA, along with a fat paycheck, if the Governor offers it to him?
average joe
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 11:16 a.m.
I read yesterday that it was Conan's wife, Rebecca Warren who co-sponsored this bill. I guess she should be remembered for this also at the next election.(?)
LXIX
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:20 p.m.
I get it now! This is Lansing's answer to the growing homeless problem. Every applicant gets one free for a secure, climate controlled, cushy tour of the RTA zone. It works for singles or family sizes up to 46. Those who want to earn a little extra cash can be dropped off at participating employers like Walmart for their shift and allowed to reboard on the same bus after does its scheduled 12 hour loop through the four counties. Of course, those who leave at unauthorized stops will have to pay full fare to reboard. Charity providers will be given incentives for feeding the passengers and community pools will be given added state subsidies. Seats will be equiped with individual reading lights, food trays, TVs and earphone jacks. Each bus will be ADA compliant and equiped with the mandatory restroom. As an acredited housing provider, RTA will collect a profitable ton of rolling HUD funding and then just keep on booking down that old yellow brick road.
a2grateful
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:12 p.m.
"It's a complicated political picture in Wayne County and those areas and I don't understand why anyone in Washtenaw County would want to become embroiled in that," he said. Some might construe this comment as veiled racism. The reason those in Washtenaw County participate in many endeavors in Wayne County "and those areas" is that they are our close neighbors and allies, and we wish to succeed with them, and not at their expense. Politics? They are a fact of life everywhere. Little fish rarely like big ponds.
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 11:23 a.m.
@Jack Eaton: Conan Smith is political toast in this town. Trust me. He he's burned so many bridges over the past year, one can only think he's already discussed a job in Lansing working 'with' Rick Snyder. He sat on his hands during the 2010 election for Governor because his 'mommy' wasn't on the ticket, he's done nothing while on the County Commission , he's had nothing but praise for the emergency manager power grab, and now he's sold out the City and the County in a clear conflict of interest with his lobbyist day job. If he's still thinks there is some DNA entitlement to become Mayor of Ann Arbor, he's out of touch with political reality. Some of us still remember Al Wheeler around here and, you Mr. Smith, are no Al Wheeler.
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 11:16 a.m.
I thought Conan Smith's buddy, Bob Ficano, the crooked little political hack, ran Wayne County. Last time I checked he was a little slimy crook and last time I checked, he's still white.
Stephen Landes
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 11:43 p.m.
If Hieftje was a Republic Chris Matthews wouldn't have any trouble hearing the "dog whistle" of racism.
Angry Moderate
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:26 p.m.
It's racist to say that Wayne County has "complicated" politics when they have numerous officials under federal investigations for every crime under the sun? LOL.
Ponycar
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
Really, you're going to play the race card when the FACTS of transportation authorities OTHER than AATA prove the comment correct? Let's not let facts get in the way of a good race card! Sheesh! The whole RTA would be better off with AATA in charge, but I doubt they want to take THAT headache on!
USRepublic
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:17 p.m.
Only a racist could find racism in that quotation.... Everybody else takes it at face value.
USRepublic
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
The bitter irony in all of this..... Can't wait till all the public transit junkies see what gets off of the 6 Mile and Gratiot express....
JRW
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:01 p.m.
I'm with the mayor on this one. Why drag Wash Cty and A2 into the quarmire of Wayne county politics and funding issues? He's right. Any new funding affecting Wash Cty residents wouldn't necessarily be under the control of Wash Cty and A2. AATA is a good system and why screw it up? I wish there were more local bus routes, but all in all, it's a good system.
Veracity
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 3:08 p.m.
After the RTA begins operation in January, Ann Arbor will no longer control its generated tax revenue that goes to AATA now. AATA will no longer exist and instead Ann Arbor will have a "transportation provider" that will spend money allotted to it by the RTA and make only changes in transportation approved by RTA. With only two members on the RTA board of ten, Ann Arbor will have little say about and no control over its transportation system.
GoNavy
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10 p.m.
We're one step further away now from the dreams of some to return America to the Golden Age of Rail, circa 1876. No cars back then either!
Veracity
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
No medications back then either!
Alan Goldsmith
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 9 p.m.
Which Democrats voted for this and who were the three who didn't vote?
bobg
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.
I think that the RTA is necessary if there is any point in having commuter rail from A2 to Detroit. An efficient transportation system at the other end is necessary. We go to Detroit quite often and couldnt use the commuter if we could not get from it to our destination by public transportation.
Casey P
Sun, Dec 9, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
bobg - well, because of SB909, now commuter rail is nearly out of the question, so, if RTA comes to fruition, you will now have the option of taking a 1:45 bus ride from Ann Arbor to Detroit instead of driving yourself in 35 minutes. I wonder which you will choose. GoNavy - I-94 would look like I-95 if it were two lanes like I-95 in CT. The fact that the volume of traffic on I-94 requires that it be six lanes wide is evidence that commuter rail would be beneficial in the region. With commuter rail in place as an alternate to individual commuters on I-94, the freeway could be reduced to two lanes and then we wouldn't have to pay for inefficient yearly maintenance on six lanes of asphalt.
kian b
Sat, Dec 8, 2012 : 2:43 a.m.
So I'm just starting to learn about this, but I don't understand Washtenaw's and Democrats concern with this. I read Washtenaw executives concerned with losing decision-making authority, but (1) about the 4-county approval process for rail systems, the primary goal of any rail system would be to connect the 4 counties anyway and (2) regarding funding, I read that 85% of funds raised in each county would remain in each county, so the systems should be supported. Is 85% very little? Whats the deal?
Vivienne Armentrout
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
Not to worry. This puts commuter rail back considerably. Why do you think the Mayor is so unhappy?
GoNavy
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:01 p.m.
What the heck do we need a rail road from A2 to Detroit for? We have 6 lanes of perfectly good paved road between here and there. Call me back when I-94 here looks more like I-95 in CT and NY...then we can talk about adding rail.
Lifelong A2
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.
The County Commissioners voted AGAINST being included in the RTA, but Conan Smith -- the Board's chair -- is lobbying FOR the bill? Conan Smith needs to start doing his job: representing the people who elected him and representing the Board that made him chair. The people of Washtenaw County weren't ready to create a single-county transit system; clearly they're not ready for a 4-county transit system.
Veracity
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.
I do not know if the new RTA will probably have a CEO and other paid staff. Would Conan Smith be interested, do you think? Rebekah Warren, out State Senator, sponsored SB909, the RTA bill that passed.
greg, too
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
"A companion bill that allows new RTA funding options, including a local vehicle registration fee, did not have sufficient support and was pulled from the board." So they passed a bill to add to the RTA but do not know how to fund it? Brilliant.
Ron Granger
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:28 p.m.
How would you like a vehicle registration fee from ann arbor funding detroit?
JRW
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
At one point, I heard that Ricky wanted to add $100 to all vehicle registrations.......but withdrew that idea. Not sure if that was related to this RTA issue, but sticking everyone with a huge vehicle registration additional cost is not the answer.
sellers
Thu, Dec 6, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.
Just say no. We will have better success w/o it. If you you want a real transit success, start with Ann Arbor, a city that embraces it more than any other midwest city and then grow out from there. Don't try to prove mass transit in the city of the automobile. If you do, GM may buy it .
Veracity
Fri, Dec 7, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
Ann Arbor has no choice to opt out as it did with the 4-party county transportation authority.