Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Delta Transit director urges support for Aug. 4 countywide millage to expand hours and routes
Summary
John Stapleton of Delta Area Transit Authority told Eskanaba council a proposed countywide millage on Aug. 4 would fund expanded service — earlier mornings, later evenings, Saturdays and countywide demand-response service — and supply required local match to unlock state and federal funds.
John Stapleton, director of Delta Area Transit Authority, briefed the Eskanaba City Council on May 21 about a proposed countywide transit millage that would appear on the August 4 ballot.
Stapleton said the current local millage in Eskanaba and Gladstone is 6 mills and the proposed countywide approach would add roughly 0.89 mills (presented as 6.89 in the packet) for eight years to support expanded service, including early-morning runs to reach dialysis and work, Friday–Saturday evening service (until about 2 a.m.) and Saturday daytime service. He described the proposal as a way to ensure a stable local match (roughly 50%) needed to capture state and federal transit funding and to provide demand-response service to seven townships that currently lack service.
Stapleton noted DATA operates a staff of about 29 and an annual operating budget just over $2 million. He said the proposed millage would generate about $1.1 million if passed and that, after surveys and community outreach, the plan focuses on extended hours and coverage rather than Sunday service. He also emphasized that DATA is a governmental authority and that drivers and mechanics are Teamsters members.
Councilors asked about competition with private providers and affordability of fares; Stapleton replied that private providers cannot always serve riders who require accessible vehicles and that some trips (for example, from Eskanaba to Rapid River after an ER visit) can cost $40–$55 — rates he said many residents cannot afford. He offered to supply ridership and other operational data at a later meeting.
Stapleton said the millage term of eight years better aligns with vehicle life spans and election cycles and helps avoid off-year special-election costs. He encouraged residents to review the millage proposal before the August 4 vote.
