Washington, D.C.- Congressman Dale E. Kildee announced today that the Flint Mass Transit Authority would receive over $4 million for long-term improvements to the transit system.
Kildee had requested these funds from the Appropriation Subcommittee on Transportation in order to meet the demands of regional expansion and increased transit options in the Fifth District. Kildee’s requests are included in the federal Transportation Appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2003, which was approved by Congress today and will now be sent to the President.
“I am pleased to have worked for dedicated earmarked funding for transit projects in Flint,” said Kildee. “High quality public transit is vital to our economy, and especially to those citizens, such as low income workers and senior citizens, who do not have ready access to automobiles.”
Over $4 million in funding for Flint MTA will be provided for three different mass transit programs. The Flint Mass Transit Authority will use $1,050,000 of the new federal funds to expand its popular reverse commute program. By ensuring efficient, reliable transportation of workers to jobs, the reverse commute venture has been of benefit to both employers and employees.
The Flint MTA will probably use most of the $2 million to purchase 20 thirty-five foot replacement vehicles for increased service during peak hours of travel. The funding may also be used to fix route service and to help renovate the downtown transportation center.
In order to improve the intelligent transportation system, the Flint MTA will receive $1 million in funding to develop an automatic vehicle locator system. This system would ensure maximum fleet efficiency and it will ensure the system’s ability to provide accurate information to passengers regarding the location of buses. This funding is vital to the long-term growth and maintenance of the regional transit system. By providing more efficient and reliable services, the public’s faith and use of Flint MTA services will continue to grow. |
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