DETROIT — The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) has launched a new effort to, for the first time in history, make rapid transit a reality in southeast Michigan. 

RTA CEO Michael Ford said the master planning process, which he announced this week, will include extensive outreach to the public to assure full public participation at every step.

The public participation will begin next week, including an afternoon session open to the public Tuesday, May 19, at 4901 Evergreen on the campus of the University of Michigan Dearborn.  The session will run from 1:00 to 7:30 p.m. and will allow for residents to stop in at their convenience to offer their input on what a transit system should look like. 

RTA Chair Paul Hillegonds said developing an efficient and effective transit plan that includes rapid transit is critical to the region’s future.

“Southeast Michigan is the only major urban area in the country without a viable, coordinated public transit system,” he said.  “If we are going to be competitive in a 21st Century global economy, developing a transit system that meets the needs of a changing world is absolutely essential.”

Ford said the final plan will coordinate service with five current transit providers: the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA), the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT), the Detroit People Mover, the M-1 Rail line being constructed on Woodward in downtown Detroit and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART).