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MTA Working Toward Your Ride Solutions

(Flint, Michigan-March 3, 2011)
The need for public transportation services is growing in our community, but economic conditions within Mass Transportation Authority’s service area and at the state level, along with a substantial increase in MTA’s ridership have made it necessary to take a close look at the limitations that are affecting the community and any growth at MTA.

      In 2007, the MTA received 10.6 million dollars from the local millage referendums.  In November 2010, the MTA was informed that it would receive a reduction in millage funds down to 8.8 million.  Projections for 2012 indicate that those monies will drop even lower, to 8 million or less.  The combination of a 2.6 million dollar loss of local millage monies and the increasing cost of diesel fuel, which has nearly doubled in the past year have made it necessary for the MTA to reduce the annual budget by over $2 million dollars.  The current financial constraints require that MTA operate within the confines of this reduced budget.

    “The Mass Transportation Authority is committed to providing service to the community, however, growth of services must be limited,” Ed Benning, MTA Chief of Staff, said.  “This requires that we place limitations on the number of Your Ride trips we schedule daily . The growth of casual demand trips creates a significant challenge for the MTA.  On a daily basis, the number of casual trips is maximized, but some requests must be denied.”

 However, Benning stated, ADA certifications, along with subscription services, will continue to receive transportation on a daily basis.

   The MTA is sensitive to the needs of the community and is looking at a variety of alternatives to reduce the number of un-accommodated trips.   The MTA is working to address and resolve the number of “no shows” which exceeds over 2,000 trips per month.  Alternatives include a higher utilization of transfers through fixed routes and  increasing the  notification period to the  rider on trips that are un- accommodated.  Another alternative, Benning mentioned, will be to schedule meetings with key community stakeholders to provide information on the scheduling process, challenges the MTA is facing and to receive input on potential solutions.  Throughout this process, the MTA will continue to provide its passengers with safe, efficient and reliable transportation services to the community at large.