Wayne County Voters Approve Millage to Expand Public Transit
Wayne County voters have approved a millage to expand public transit services, a move that will connect more of the region and potentially boost the economy. The millage will fund operations, maintenance, and service expansions for seniors, people with disabilities,…
Detroit, MI, August 5, 2026 —
Wayne County voters have overwhelmingly approved a new millage aimed at significantly expanding public transit services throughout the region. The decisive vote is expected to foster greater connectivity and potentially stimulate economic growth.
The approved millage will allocate funding towards essential public transit functions, including operations, maintenance, and crucial service expansions. These expansions are specifically designed to benefit seniors, individuals with disabilities, and the general public. A key outcome of this approval is the integration of 17 communities, which previously opted out of the regional system, into the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) network.
The financial details of the millage indicate a tax rate of .98 mills, which will be levied over a period of 10 years. For a typical household with a taxable value of $100,000, this will amount to approximately $8 per month. In its first year, the millage is projected to generate an estimated $57 million in revenue.
This expansion aims to create a more comprehensive and accessible public transportation system across Wayne County, addressing long-standing needs for improved service in areas that were previously underserved. The integration of the 17 opt-out communities is a significant step towards a more unified regional transit approach.
Story summarized from the original created by Nushrat Rahman on www.bridgedetroit.com, see more information here.
