2005 Senate Bill 691

Create “DARTA” transit authority

Introduced in the Senate

Aug. 31, 2005

Introduced by Sen. Samuel B. Thomas (D-4)

To create a new Detroit Area Regional Transportation Authority (DARTA) covering Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties, by merging the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) transit system and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), and bound by the current labor agreements of those entities. The authority would develop, implement and run a comprehensive regional public transportation system. It would have borrowing authority, and could contract with local governments to receive tax revenue, but would not have direct taxing power itself. Monroe County could withdraw with a vote of the county commission, and Oakland and Macomb counties with a vote of the people. Washtenaw, St. Clair and Livingston Counties could join later if they choose.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation