The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is now discussing the possibility of creating a countywide transit authority as leaders at the Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority seek help continuing bus services in the Benton Harbor area.
We reported this week that TCATA has reached out to nearby municipalities about forming a new authority to serve as its successor, and it has backing from the Michigan Department of Transportation. Speaking Thursday, Berrien County Board of Commissioners Chair Mac Elliott said MDOT has sent the county a letter to urge action on a new transit authority.
County Community Development Director Dan Fette said talks have been taking place the last two months between various partners, and there does appear to be a consensus.
“The nature of the discussion has been, I think, a recognition amongst everyone that the system that is existing right now is not working, that there are financial difficulties that are becoming more and more acute,” Fette said. “Some solution to this needs to be found.”
Elliott said Berrien County Commissioners in 2016 approved a resolution endorsing the formation of a Berrien County transportation authority, but it got pushback and nothing ever happened. He said if the county is going to explore this idea again, it needs support from the Benton Harbor City Commission.
“I think we have to be deliberate about this and thoughtful and ensure that if we weigh in, we will be welcomed, not rejected,” Elliott said.
A meeting of the Healthy Berrien Consortium is set for next Thursday for more discussion among players including the Berrien County Health Department and the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. County Administrator Brian Dissette invited commissioners to attend, and Elliott said they should make it clear to the planning commission that another study on this issue is not needed because plenty have already been done.
The real question is funding a new transit service, something Elliott said the state should do. TCATA has been calling for a more regional approach to mass transit as its ability to continue providing Dial A Ride is in question. Elliott said he doubts county residents would support a millage to pay for transit, but there is a “need to start somewhere.”
