Originally Posted by
Jason
How does this affect the RTA?
Does the RTA need to operate service in order to count as a transit agency for federal money?
The RTA is already having the flex routes. Would it be possible for the RTA to essentially use SMART and DDOT money for bigger transit projects, avoiding the need to get money from ballot proposals? If they could get DDOT and SMART to each take over a complete Gratiot and Woodward line, could they also coordinate the various transit agencies to share costs for other projects?
To me the main benefit of the RTA is organizational, and the longterm potential of improved transit. How does this affect that?
For example could the RTA right now coordinate with DDOT, SMART, and AAATA to make a AA-Airport-Detroit bus line? If DDOT and SMART agreed to pay their proportional share of the costs, could the light rail be extended to Royal Oak?