Leaders in Benton Harbor are being asked to consider the possibility of launching a successor to Dial a Ride, the mass transit service operated by the Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority.
Speaking to city commissioners Monday, TCATA Interim Director Todd Shurn said Dial a Ride is currently supported by a millage paid by Benton Harbor residents. However, he said the service also provides transportation to residents from St. Joseph, St. Joseph Township, and Benton Township, among other places. With its millage up for renewal at the end of 2027, Shurn said now could be the time to explore a new authority that could incorporate those areas in a better way.
“What we’re looking to do is form a Public Act 196 authority that will allow a lot more flexibility in configuring the municipalities that can participate and also the jurisdiction of service,” Shurn said.
Shurn said the current TCATA millage generates about $345,000 per year for Dial a Ride, which is only a fraction of its budget. With costs rising, he said there may be a better way to keep Dial a Ride going.
Mayor Marcus Muhammad later said with insurance, fleet repairs, and lawsuits, Dial a Ride is in need of some help.
“It’s gotten to the point where the federal government is saying that they’re not going to continue to fund Dial a Ride unless there’s some serious changes,” Muhammad said.
Commissioners had concerns with Shurn’s proposal, mainly that local control of Dial a Ride could be lost. He said it’s up to them to ensure Benton Harbor has representation going forward. He added he’s only in the early stages of exploring a new authority as there are still a couple of years left for the current millage.
Most of TCATA’s funding comes from the federal government. That’s followed by state funding, and then the millage and fares.
