This past Tuesday, twenty-five amazing DJJ leaders met together and began initiating action towards passing the Regional Master Transit Plan. If passed, a proposal on the November ballot would provide all of Southeast Michigan - including Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties - the necessary funding to build a more viable transit system, which would connect communities, create and sustain jobs, and increase independence for seniors and folks with disabilities.

Among other points of support and action, we are rallying to get out the vote by collecting pledges for our partners at Motor City Freedom Riders. The immediacy of pushing this initiative to pass cannot be understated; the right for self-determination is on the line and we have an opportunity to rally around it! Here is what you need to know:

• There are currently four different transit systems operating in Southeast Michigan, meaning that jobs, opportunities, and independence is being divided across lines of transit access.

• 92% of jobs in the region cannot be reached within 60 minutes under the framework of the current transit system.

• Southeast Michigan currently invests just $69 per capita in regional transit, compared to other areas of equal size such as Cleveland and Pittsburgh, which invest $177 and $232 per capita, respectively.

• The transit plan has the capacity to support the creation of nearly 68,000 new jobs over the next 20 years.

• According to Transportation for America, 68% of seniors aged 65-79 in metro Detroit have poor access to transit, totaling 445,000 seniors and ranking Detroit fourth worst among large metro regions nationally.

• The plan will increase specialized transit funding by 33% in every county to improve critical mobility services for seniors and folks with disabilities.

• Passing this proposal would amass upwards of nearly $161 million for transit improvements by means of a property tax. On average, it would cost Southeastern Michigan households an average of only $96 per year to connect our communities.

November is fast approaching, which means it is time to educate and organize around the Regional Master Transit Plan! From now through November 8th, we will be turning out op-eds, educational events, information through social media, and hosting phone banks in our community. In the meantime, we can do our part by signing the Motor City Freedom Riders pledge to vote on November 8th. Share the pledge in your networks with the hashtag #SchlepforTransit and stay tuned for information on DJJ’s upcoming events and activities in support of the campaign.

Folks, it is time to SCHLEP FOR TRANSIT!