MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Election Day, Schoolcraft County voters said “yes” to continued support for their public transportation service.
The Schoolcraft County Transit Authority asked for a four-year renewal of its .5841 millage. That millage funds dial-a-ride services, regional routes from Manistique to Escanaba, and non-emergency medical transportation.
“I was nervous,” said Authority Director John Stapleton. “Since the last time we had an election, a lot of millages were put on the ballot and the economic conditions were different. I was really worried what results we might see because of that.”
Despite his concerns, the renewal was supported by 68% of voters, which is the highest passing ratio the Schoolcraft County Transit Authority has received on a millage. Stapleton says it is also one of the highest passing ratios for a public transit service in the entire state.
“I think it’s a really good way for us to measure our effectiveness in the community,” he said. “It shows that people support what we’re doing and, frankly, this millage comes at a really crucial time for us. Without this millage, we wouldn’t be able to operate in Schoolcraft County, at least not to the extent that we do today. Transit in the state of Michigan is at the lowest funding its had in roughly 50 years, so it’s more important than ever.”
On average, the Schoolcraft County Transit Authority provides 35,000 rides each year.
For more information on the Transit Authority and available services, visit sctransit.org or call (906) 341-2111.
