About the Ballot Proposal
Summary of the Public Transportation Proposal
Election Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2007
The Ballot Request: The total ballot request is for 1.12 mills. This includes a renewal of the current millage (0.95 mills) and a millage enhancement (0.17 mills) that is needed to improve/expand services and meet demands.
Why is Renewal and Enhancement Needed?
Public transportation plays a vital role in the economic development of our community. Recent ridership surveys shows that 62% of all rides connect people with their work. It is estimated that for every one dollar invested on public transportation, 5 dollars are returned to our community through increased economic development, investment in business districts, and state/federal matching grants.
In 2006, The Rapid added more rides, at a faster pace, than at any other time in the history of our public transportation system. With nearly 1 million more rides provided than in 2005, The Rapid’s record-setting growth is five times the national average.
The renewal is needed to preserve The Rapid’s current services including all fixed-route services, Go!Bus services for people with disabilities and senior citizens, PASS Demand Response, DASH, AirPorter, County Connections, Carpool and Vanpool programs, College and University services, and the Senior Mentoring Program. The enhancement is needed to keep up with the significant growth in ridership and demand for improved and expanded services.
The Proposed Enhancements Include:
- Expanded weekday evening services
- Expanded Saturday services
- Increased frequency and reduced wait times on five main routes
- New regional transfer points and increased connectivity system-wide
- New bus route to northwest Grand Rapids and Union High School
Areas: East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, & Wyoming
The Cost:
The Renewal: The current millage of 0.95 mills - approved by 66% of voters in all six cities in 2003 - costs the owner of a $100,000 home $47.50 per year or $3.95 per month.
The Enhancement: The additional 0.17 mills costs the owner of a $100,000 home $8.50 per year or $0.70 per month.
Total Investment: 1.12 mills costs the owner of a $100,000 home $56 per year or $4.66 per month.