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$4.6 Billion Metro Detroit Mass Transit Proposal Loses Steam In The Suburbs

DETROIT (WWJ) A big setback happened Thursday for supporters of an expanded regional transit system in Southeast Michigan.

The Regional Transit Authority did not have enough votes to put the issue before voters in November. Putting the $4.6 billion proposal before voters required approval from seven of nine members of the RTA board, with at least one representative from each of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Oakland County boss L.Brooks Patterson expressed displeasure with the plan, saying it didn't outline clearly how the money would be spent.

And after a long and contentious session of the board, it was done. Supporters have about two weeks to cobble together something that earns approval by suburban leaders; otherwise, it would be too late to join the November ballot.

The original plan included express bus service along Woodward Avenue, Gratiot Avenue and Michigan Avenue, along with express service to Metro Airport. It would bandage Detroit's notoriously spotty and unreliable service and create much-needed cohesiveness in the transit system, supporters say. The goal would be better access to jobs, and a boost for tourism.

Freep.com reported that Freman Hendrix, Detroit's representative on the board, said the plan should be approved.

"We've waited way too long, and it would be unfair to the …. to the riders and the citizens in this region" if the plan isn't put before voters, Hendrix said.

Hendrix said he spoke Wednesday with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who told him that city leadership will do whatever it takes to reach a compromise with Oakland and Macomb's leaders, including extending rapid transit and bus routes, adding more stops and offering more on-demand and dial-a-ride options for outlying areas of the counties.

"Our eagerness to do whatever is possible to work things out in a positive manner," Hendrix said.

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