Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh

The City of Detroit and its surrounding neighbors have been discussing the prospect of mass transit in our region for many years. Today, the Detroit City Council convened a Committee of the Whole to determine where the city stands in constructing this long awaited system of transportation.

This project has included many participants and stakeholders, each playing an integral role in the development of mass transit. Representatives from the local, regional, state, and federal level came before the council to provide information on some necessary steps that will make mass transit a reality in Detroit.

Congresswoman Kilpatrick began the series of testimonies by notifying the council of the resources she has been able to provide as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Kilpatrick also reiterated her promise of ensuring that Detroit joins every other major metropolitan area that provides mass transit. She also informed members of President Obama’s commitment to light rail and she stated that she plans on working with the President, Secretary LaHood, and staff to make sure Detroit is included.

Group Executive Charlie Beckham and CFO Norm White spoke to the council on behalf of the administration. The administration claims to be carefully reviewing the details of a regional authority, in hopes of protecting the interest of the citizens of Detroit. White stated that they have reached a sound agreement with all other parties and will be supplying the council with this information as it is solidified.

The leader of the Detroit Delegation in Lansing, Rep. Bert Johnson, also appeared at the meeting to give an update on the transit legislation in Lansing. Johnson stated that although this issue has been taken up 24 times, he believes that this attempt at mass transit will be successful. Right now, Lansing legislators are participating in work groups around this very issue.

Lastly, Mr. Swatosh, representing the Detroit Mass Transit Authority, spoke briefly on the region’s plans and commitment to providing citizens with this necessary service. His prospective encourages the regional transit authority to be economically and socially beneficial for the metropolitan region as a whole.

In the coming weeks, there will be several conversations on this issue. The administration mentioned a meeting on Feb. 16th, Rep. Johnson spoke of a meeting he’s hosting on the 23rd, and the Congresswoman spoke about a session on the 26th. It appears that mass transit is picking up speed.