1401 S. Dort Hwy, Flint, Michigan 48503 | 810-767-0100 | TTY: 810-767-2795

MTA News

• WORK-RELATED MTA REGIONAL TRANSIT SERVICE SAVES GENESEE COUNTY WORKERS UP TO $2,000 ANNUALLY ON GASOLINE
  (FLINT, MI MARCH 15, 2010)
  “Live here, work there” is a reality for hundreds of residents living in Genesee County and working in Oakland, Livingston and Saginaw counties. To top it off, they're saving money, too.
  
  Individuals who take advantage of the MTA's Regional Transit service can save up to an average of $2,000 annually. Savings are based on the current national average price of gas at $2.70 per gallon; a 100-mile round trip per day, five days a week for 12 months; and a fuel efficiency rating of 25 miles per gallon.
  
  MTA General Manager Robert Foy stated, “Michigan’s changing job market, steady to rising gasoline prices and a growing emphasis on a greener environment are all contributing to the increases we’ve seen in work-related business during the past several years.” The MTA is able to offer low-cost transit options due largely to State and Federal grants.
  
  Passengers who used to make an average 100-mile round trip to and from jobs in nearby counties now enjoy the comfort and convenience of riding MTA deluxe coach buses, saving money on gas and vehicle repair bills in the process. With the purchase of an MTA regional monthly pass for $60.00, passengers save $160 or more a month on gas alone. To calculate your individual savings, including tires, maintenance, insurance and other variable and fixed costs, visit www.publictransportation.org.
  
  Flint Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) buses depart from several pick-up locations in Genesee County at various times to allow passengers with different schedules to arrive at work on time. Interest in the MTA’s regional service continues to entice passengers looking for transit options. An individual in a two-person household can save money by taking public transportation and living with one less car.
  
  In addition, local public transit offers a travel option that has an immediate positive impact in reducing an individual’s overall carbon footprint while helping reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.
  
  More than 40,000 people in Genesee County depend on the MTA for part or all of their transportation needs. This year, passenger trips for Your Ride service is anticipated at 750,000. Currently, more than 100 Your Ride vehicles provide service countywide, operating from 11 service centers. Transportation options also include Primary Routes, Peak Routes, Senior Shopper services, Highway to Health and Regional transportation, providing daily service to five adjoining counties.
  
  With an annual budget of $40 million, the MTA’s economic impact in Genesee County is significant, generating an estimated $240 million in gross revenues countywide.
  
  For information about transit services, routes or schedules, contact the MTA’s Customer Service Department Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (810) 767-0100.
  
  
• Hybrid Electric Drive Train for Medium and Heavy Duty Vehicles
  A team consisting of MOTOTECH, Michigan State University, Kettering University, and the MTA-Flint have converted a New Flyer 40LF model 384 to hybrid electric system . The collected data and other information from this bus are being used in the development of an advanced hybrid power train system. The advanced system will be used in the conversion of a number of MTA vehicles. Manufacturing of the advanced power train system will be distributed for commercial use in other heavy-duty vehicles.




• MTA PROVIDES MARKETING SUPPORT FOR UNITED WAY’S BUS PASS INITIATIVE

  Flint’s Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) is one of several sponsors in the greater Flint community working to remove barriers to transportation for homeless and near homeless citizens in Genesee County. “The MTA is a vital partner in a collaborative effort to meet the transit needs of twelve agencies in our county serving needy participants,” said Diana Kelly, United Way of Genesee County Manager of Community Investment. The MTA provides in-kind marketing services to raise awareness of the significant need for transportation services. “You know how it feels to be without wheels,” is the name of the bus pass initiative. Its motto: “Instill pride, give your neighbor a ride.” A survey complied data to determine the barriers to transportation facing area agencies. Decisions among participating sponsors concluded that since funding support for transit service was being reduced or eliminated, an annual budget of $100,000 was necessary to provide transportation support. Sponsor contributions and fundraising events generate funds to keep a basic needs system of care alive so that bus passes can be distributed to the homeless through participating agencies in an equitable manner.

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