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Commission approves transit millage language after Takata/Via presentation on service improvements
Summary
Takata by Via presented improvements including a new rider app, training and higher city resident hiring; after questions about off‑site dispatching, safety monitoring and reduced‑fare access, the commission approved millage renewal ballot wording, confirmed as a renewal with no tax increase.
The Benton Harbor City Commission approved ballot language renewing the local transit millage after a presentation from Takata by Via about operational improvements since Via assumed management.
Tessa Greshak, Takata’s executive director, told commissioners Via retrained drivers and retained about 85% of Takata staff during the transition and that staff living inside the city increased from 38% to 54%. She highlighted a new rider app that allows passengers to track vehicles and added electronic payment options while maintaining fare cards and cash. "We didn't learn this till today. Before Via came on, only 38% of the staff came from Benton Harbor city proper. Now 54% lives in the city proper," Greshak said.
Nick Schonfeld, the operations manager, said on‑time performance is "hovering right around 95%" and cited safety monitoring that flags events for supervisor review. He said operational tools — tablets for driver manifests, Zello for communications and remote dispatch backup — are reducing missed trips and improving efficiency.
Commissioners raised concerns about off‑site dispatching, language/cultural barriers with some remote dispatch staff, wait‑time variability for riders with disabilities and whether Takata Access processes are accessible. Greshak and Schonfeld described eligibility processes for reduced fares and Takata Access, noting a doctor’s verification or Social Security/Medicare documentation can be used to qualify riders who cannot use fixed‑route service.
Following the presentation and public questions, the commission voted to approve the millage renewal ballot wording. Commissioner Clark Griffin asked the record to show the millage is a renewal with no increase; the chair and the clerk confirmed the language reflects no additional tax burden. The motion carried on roll call with unanimous support.
What happens next: The approved ballot language will appear on the ballot as a renewal measure; Takata representatives said they will continue community outreach and troubleshoot off‑site dispatch concerns.
