Access to Transit Program

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About the Access to Transit Program

Since the passage of the Oakland County Transportation Millage, many residents have come forward to attest to the fact that public transit has been a vital benefit. Public transit provides convenient access to jobs, healthcare, education, and other essential services. However, for transit to truly be effective, it must be easily accessible to everyone in our communities.

To that end, the Oakland County Access to Transit Program has been designed to address what is often referred to as the “first mile/last mile” problem – the series of challenges associated with getting to and from public transit stops. Although the “first mile/last mile” problem can take many shapes, here are some of the most common issues:

Lack of convenient access

Lack of convenient access

Poor pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure

Poor pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure

Distance and time barriers

Distance and time barriers

Accessibility for vulnerable populations

Accessibility for vulnerable populations

Safety concerns

Safety concerns

For individuals with disabilities and seniors, these challenges are even more acute and in Oakland County the aging population is growing rapidly, with the number of residents aged 65 and older expected to increase by 30% through 2035.

In addition, without proper infrastructure, people walking or rolling to and from transit stops are more vulnerable to crashes than people using other forms of transportation. Based on 2018-2022 Oakland County data, half of all pedestrian or bicyclist crashes that resulted in a fatality or serious injury happened within a 5-minute walk from a transit stop.

Ensuring that all Oakland County residents, regardless of physical ability, age, or income, can safely access public transit is the priority of this program.

Program Overview

The Oakland County Access to Transit Program aims to enhance transit accessibility throughout Oakland County by providing $2 million in funding to cities, villages, and townships (CVTs).

This funding, made possible through the Oakland County Public Transportation Millage, will support projects that improve access to transit services provided by SMART, NOTA, OPC, People’s Express, and WOTA.

The program is designed to address infrastructure needs that facilitate safer and more convenient transit experiences, particularly the "first and last mile" of each journey like: sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting.

These improvements are essential to maximizing the use and effectiveness of public transit options for all residents.