Public transportation connects people with jobs, boosts economy
BEVERLY HILLS, Mich. – Leadership of the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), which oversees nearly 3,000 miles of state highways and county roads, today announced their endorsement of the Oakland County Public Transportation Millage on the Nov. 8 ballot because it helps connect people with jobs and boost the economy.
“Being involved in oversight of the road system in one of Michigan’s largest and busiest counties, I can tell you firsthand it’s critical that our most vulnerable residents, such as veterans, seniors and people with disabilities have the ability to get where they need to go,” said Clawson resident Andrea LaLonde, RCOC Board Chair. “To accomplish this goal, we must continue to support county public transit services by improving these options for our residents. Public transit also helps make Oakland County more competitive and helps our economy by connecting people with jobs and drawing new businesses to our communities.”
The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) provides an estimated 10 million rides annually. Voting “Yes” on the Oakland County Public Transportation Millage will expand and maintain existing public transit services, including transportation provided by SMART, Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA), North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA), Older Persons Commission (OPC) and expand transit access for all of Oakland County.
“By voting ‘Yes’ on the Oakland County Public Transportation millage, we’re helping vulnerable members from Novi to Ortonville, from Oak Park to Rochester Hills, get to and from work, school, doctors’ appointments, the grocery store and more,” said RCOC Board Vice Chair Nancy Quarles, a Novi resident. “This proposal helps residents countywide compete for jobs and participate in our economy, and helps tens of thousands of essential workers, seniors, veterans, low-income residents, working parents and people with disabilities get from Point A to Point B. For these reasons, I urge people to vote ‘Yes’ on the millage on Nov. 8.”
Research shows public transportation is a vital component of thriving communities and helps boost the local economy — every $1 invested in public transportation creates $4 in economic output by attracting new businesses and expanding the talent pool for local employers.
Funding from the millage will be tracked publicly online to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and transparently, with 100% of funds generated staying in Oakland County and subject to annual independent audits to promote fiscal responsibility.
To learn more about this critical public transportation millage proposal please visit YesOaklandTransit.com.
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