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Source : Joe Ross, Flickr
July 15, 2024
Author : Alex Bustillos
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Charlevoix County Transit (CCT) to launch a brand new program called Advancing Rural Mobility.
This project aims to completely change the way people in rural areas get around. It’s all about new online tools that make it easy to plan trips, find buses, and generally have a smoother travel experience.
“The potential of this project to revolutionize Michigan's transit industry cannot be overstated,” said Jean Ruestman, who runs the passenger transportation office at MDOT. “We are not just advancing technology, we are enhancing lives and connecting communities. By improving access to transportation options, we are improving access to health, education and economic opportunities for rural residents.”
The money for this project comes from a grant program called Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) run by the USDOT. This program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and funded by $100 million set aside by the government for FY 2022 through 2026, is all about using new technology to improve transportation. It's a collaboration with four rural transit agencies:
“The Advancing Rural Mobility project, spearheaded by MDOT and its partners, is a shining example of what the SMART program aims to support,” said Stanley Caldwell, who directs the SMART program for the USDOT. “It embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that we value and it is projects like these that pave the way for a smarter, more connected future.”
The grant program works in two stages. In the first round, the USDOT hands out grants of up to $2 million for projects that seem promising. If a project does well in the first stage, it can compete for a much bigger grant in the second round- up to $15 million! This allows for a wider rollout and bigger impact.
“This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. Our collaboration with MDOT and fellow transit agencies has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Ryan Novotny, the head honcho at CCT. “At CCT, we are deeply committed to serving our community. The Advancing Rural Mobility project aligns with our mission to provide accessible, efficient and innovative transportation solutions.”
The MDOT office that oversees passenger transportation runs a variety of programs, including local buses, buses that travel between cities, and regulations for taxis and other ride-hailing services. Their goal is to create a safe and reliable network of public transportation options across the entire state, making it easier for people to get around and improve their quality of life.
This Advancing Rural Mobility project, building on previous efforts to improve technology for rural transit agencies, aims to test a new system called General Transit Feed Specification-Flex (GTFS-Flex) with some partner agencies. This could be a big leap forward for the technology used in Michigan’s public transportation system.
An interesting note: While the project focuses on improving transportation options for the future, MDOT also employs a rather unique relic from the past to ensure safe road measurements in Amish county. Their trusty steed? A century-old Ford Model T! This classic car, chosen for its width similar to traditional horse-drawn buggies, helps maintain adequate shoulder space for Amish communities who rely on these roads.
Category : Department of Transportation State Government