Get the Facts Before You Vote August 4, 2015

Sunday Buses! Late night buses! That’s what we will get if enough people vote YES for the Aug. 4 Transit Millage. But the ballot language does not mention this!

Think of all the places open on Sundays–stores, restaurants, theaters, hospitals, churches, etc.–that people who need the bus will be able to access! Think of all the jobs that require Sunday hours and late night hours that people who want work will be able to reach!

If you live anywhere in Comstock, Kalamazoo Township or City, Parchment, Portage, or the east and southeast part of Oshtemo, this will be on your ballot.

What is the millage request?

Voters will be asked to approve a millage of up to 0.75 mills for five years beginning in 2016. The millage is estimated to generate $3.5 million in 2016. This is important for leveraging State and Federal grants.

How will the community benefit?

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• Maintain current levels of bus service
• Increased frequencies on heavily used bus routes, reducing wait time for the next bus
• For most routes:
  • Add daytime Sunday bus service
  • Add extended nighttime hours for 2nd/3rd shift workers and students

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How is public transportation funded?

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• State Grants – 34%
• Property Tax Millages – 29%
• Fares – 21%
• Federal Grants – 14%
• Other – 2.5%

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Why ask for a millage?

People depend on public transit services, with more than 3.2 million rides provided in 2014 – and increase of 20.3% since 2010.

How much will the millage cost me?

The cost of the 0.75 millage request for a homeowner whose home has a market value of $100,000 ($50,000 taxable value) is $37.50 per year – about 10 cents per day.

For more information visit kalcountytransit.com or call 269-337-8087.