MTA News

MTA PROVIDES MARKETING SUPPORT FOR UNITED WAY’S BUS PASS INITIATIVE

(FLINT, MI, JUNE 10, 2008) Flint’s Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) is one of several sponsors in the greater Flint community working to remove barriers to transportation for homeless and near homeless citizens in Genesee County. “The MTA is a vital partner in a collaborative effort to meet the transit needs of twelve agencies in our county serving needy participants,” said Diana Kelly, United Way of Genesee County Manager of Community Investment. The MTA provides in-kind marketing services to raise awareness of the significant need for transportation services. “You know how it feels to be without wheels,” is the name of the bus pass initiative. Its motto: “Instill pride, give your neighbor a ride.” A survey complied data to determine the barriers to transportation facing area agencies. Decisions among participating sponsors concluded that since funding support for transit service was being reduced or eliminated, an annual budget of $100,000 was necessary to provide transportation support. Sponsor contributions and fundraising events generate funds to keep a basic needs system of care alive so that bus passes can be distributed to the homeless through participating agencies in an equitable manner.

For more information contact: Edgar Benning,
Assistant General Manager-Services,
Phone (810) 767-6950, ext.149
Fax (810) 237-8712

The Mass Transportation Authority has partnered with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint to take part in their Community Penny Garden Program

"The Mass Transportation Authority has partnered with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint to take part in their Community Penny Garden Program. The MTA, along with several other businesses and local schools, is attempting to collect $75,000 in pennies from now through September. Plastic jugs will be placed at all MTA locations; Your Ride service centers, the MTA Transportation Center, MTA Administration Building and MTA's Operations and Maintenance departments will be collecting pennies. Every penny collected will be returned to the community through the Kid's Backpack Program, Mobile Food Pantry or Senior Boxes. Everyone in the community is invited to participate-just recycle a gallon milk jug and start collecting. The Penny Garden is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for public viewing or to add your contributions. For more information,contact the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan at (810) 239-4441 or log on to: www.fbem.org. "

New expanded service to start for Seniors 60 & older.

Swartz Creek residents have good reasons to be excited about the construction of a new MTA Your Ride Service Center located at Miller and Dye roads. Flint's Mass Transportation Authority selected the new site due to its proximity in Swartz Creek and easy access to the freeway and nearby mall. The existing service center has operated from a leased storefront in Swartz Creek since 1997.

City of Swartz Creek Mayor, Richard Abrams, is looking forward to the completion of the new facility and what is means to area residents. "The service provided by the MTA will be greatly augmented by this new facility. Residents will be delighted," stated Abrams. "The City of Swartz Creek has always supported the Mass Transportation Authority, especially its Your Ride service. To say that I am excited and pleased about what this means to our community is an understatement," Abrams said.

"Mobility and independence are highly important to the growing numbers of seniors in our county who require flexible transit services to meet their daily needs," stated MTA General Manager, Robert Foy. "It's all about helping people lead productive lives well into retirement," he added.

The MTA's highly utilized Your Ride service operates from 11 centers throughout the county. Each service center has strong ties with local community businesses, agencies, senior centers, stakeholders and customers. "The service is a success story that we're proud to tell," said Edgar Benning, the MTA's assistant general manager for services.

The Swartz Creek Your Ride center has become an integral part of the community and the growth that has taken place throughout the county. Measured in dollars, the MTA's economic impact in Genesee County is significant with an annual budget of $40 million generating an estimated $240 million in gross revenues countywide.

In addition, the MTA recently enhanced its curb-to-curb Your Ride service with door-to-door service for seniors age 60 or older who require and qualify for "gentle assistance." It's no secret that Your Ride is experiencing continuous growth. Today, 130 vans operate seven days a week throughout Genesee County. Anticipated ridership for the MTA's fiscal year is 750,000 passengers.

Siwek Construction, located in Flint, Michigan was awarded the contract to build the $1 million facility. State and federal funds will be used for its construction. The new Swartz Creek center will accommodate up to 30 vehicles. The service center is expected to open in the Fall of this year.