BY MATT HELMS AND CHRISTINA HALL

DETROIT FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER


Metro Detroit has its most realistic chance in a generation of creating a rail and bus transit system that could transform how the region commutes and launch economic redevelopment from downtown to the suburbs.

But if Detroit and tri-county leaders can't agree on combining city and suburban bus systems -- an ambition that has eluded the region for decades -- they risk forfeiting millions in federal money.

The Obama administration has put up $25 million -- and more if the region shows it can work together -- toward Woodward Avenue light rail, a plan backed with millions more pledged by private backers.

At the same time, Detroit's budget crisis and declining suburban property tax revenues are putting enormous pressure on DDOT and SMART, the region's separate bus agencies.

"Both systems are down to cutting into bone at this point," said Megan Owens, executive director of Transportation Riders United, a Detroit-based transit advocacy group. "I think the public understands the need to invest in transit, but will the politicians listen?"

On that point, stumbling blocks have already arisen, but representatives of Detroit Mayor Dave Bing point out that regional authorities have been established to oversee city-owned assets such as the water system and Cobo Center.

Continued at: http://www.freep.com/article/2011060...0436/1001/news