The Michigan DD Council Transportation Work Group is an important ally in promoting Transportation 24/7 everywhere in Michigan. The group initiated the grant project that is responsible for this web site. This information from the DD Council website describes their work.

The Transportation Work Group supports and advocates for increased availability of transportation services that are accessible. Accessibility means public transportation that is affordable, available and reliable for everyone in Michigan, including people with disabilities.

The work group examines transportation policy and funding. The group also includes Regional Interagency Coordinating Committees (RICCs) and Local Advisory Committees (LACs). An action plan to address statewide policy changes, including funding issues, has been developed and is being implemented.

1. Identify and recruit new members who represent a cross-section of state and local transit providers and advocacy groups.

2. Bring together LACs and RICCs throughout the state to form one strong transportation advocacy voice.

3. Examine findings of Council transportation grant projects, and use that information for future projects.

4. Review federal and state policies to assess the current state of transportation for people with disabilities.

1. Raised the issue of transportation for people with disabilities to the forefront in many communities statewide.

2. Through teleconferencing, we have a large increase in membership.

3. Created the transportation voucher grant project, which has been awarded to six groups around the state, from Detroit to Copper Country.

-Transportation improved throughout Michigan.

-Improved cooperation and communication between transportation systems and advocacy partnerships.

Advocates interested in working toward an accessible transportation system in Michigan should contact the Council office at 517-334-6123. Current members include state and local public transit agencies and authorities, disability advocacy organizations, and consumers.