Kalamazoo Metro

Last updated

Kalamazoo Metro
Kalamazoo Metro Logo.jpg
Kalamazoo Metro bus.jpg
A Metro bus at the Kalamazoo Transportation Center
ParentCentral County Transportation Authority
Commenced operation1967;58 years ago (1967)
Service area Kalamazoo County, Michigan
Service type
Stations Kalamazoo Transportation Center
Daily ridership6,400 (weekdays, Q3 2024)
Annual ridership1,819,500 (2023)
Website kmetro.com OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Metro (also known as KMetro) is the operator of public transit services in the Kalamazoo metropolitan area of Michigan. Metro operates fixed-route bus service on 21 routes, serving the city of Kalamazoo, its immediate suburbs, and Western Michigan University. It also provides demand-response service in all of Kalamazoo County, with additional paratransit and microtransit services in the region served by its fixed-route buses.

Contents

Metro operates a fleet of 94 vehicles, providing fixed-route services in a 109-square-mile (280 km2) region. [1] In 2023, the system had a ridership of 1,819,500, [2] or about 6,400 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024. [3]

Metro began service in 1967 as Kalamazoo Metro Transit, taking over the operations of private operator Kalamazoo City Lines. Metro Transit was operated by the City of Kalamazoo from 1967 to 2016, when the Central County Transportation Authority took over operations. Metro's rural services are funded by the Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority, a separate but closely related agency. The current "Metro" branding was introduced in 2018.

Services

Metro operates fixed-route bus, demand-response bus, paratransit, and microtransit services in Kalamazoo County.

Metro's fixed-route system serves the city of Kalamazoo and its immediate suburbs, including Portage and Comstock Township. Metro operates 21 fixed routes, including 3 Western Michigan University campus shuttle routes. 15 routes connect at the Kalamazoo Transportation Center, which also serves Amtrak trains and intercity buses. Additional transfer points include The Crossroads in Portage, the Western Michigan University main campus, and Maple Hill Pavilion in Oshtemo Township. [4]

Metro serves rural Kalamazoo County with its Metro Connect demand-response service, which requires advance reservations. Parts of Metro's fixed-route service area are served by Metro Link microtransit service, operated by Via Transportation, which does not require advance reservations. Metro also provides vehicles to nonprofit and government organizations for transporting seniors and persons with disabilities through the Metro Share program.

History

Predecessors

Streetcars on Main Street in Kalamazoo, c. 1906 Kalamazoo, Michigan postcard, showing street scene with streetcars, circa 1906.jpg
Streetcars on Main Street in Kalamazoo, c. 1906

The history of public transit service in Kalamazoo dates to 1884, with the establishment of the city's first horsecar line. Electric streetcar service began in 1893, initially operated by the Citizens’ Street Railway Company. The Citizens’ Street Railway Company was bought out by a succession of local interests in the early 1900s, and was absorbed by the Michigan United Railways in 1906. [5] The first public motor bus service in Kalamazoo County began in 1905, using an Oldsmobile Ten Passenger Wagonette. The bus service connected Nazareth Academy with the East Main Street streetcar line's terminus at the Kalamazoo city limits, a distance of approximately one mile (1.6 km). [6]

Kalamazoo City Lines bus garage, 1941 Kalamazoo City Lines Bus Terminal, 1941.jpg
Kalamazoo City Lines bus garage, 1941

The Michigan United Railways found the Kalamazoo streetcar lines to be unprofitable in the late 1920s, and sold them in 1929. Streetcars continued operating until 1932, when they were replaced by buses operated by the Kalamazoo Motor Coach Company. From 1936 to 1967, the Kalamazoo bus system was operated by Kalamazoo City Lines, an affiliate of National City Lines. [5]

Founding

The City of Kalamazoo entered into a lease agreement with Kalamazoo City Lines in 1958, where the city took over the planning and funding of bus service, and hired Kalamazoo City Lines to operate it. National City Lines ended its services in Jackson in 1964, leading to concerns that service in Kalamazoo would soon meet the same fate. [7]

In the November 8, 1966 municipal election, Kalamazoo voters approved a city charter amendment that authorized the city to operate bus service directly. [8] The city of Kalamazoo began operation of the bus system on January 1, 1967, retaining most of the staff of Kalamazoo City Lines. [9] The newly formed service was branded as "Metro Transit" in October 1967, coinciding with the arrival of a fleet of new GM New Look buses, funded in part by a federal grant. [9]

Expansion

Metro Transit expanded its services in the 1970s, extending bus lines outside Kalamazoo city limits. A new fleet of fully wheelchair-accessible buses was placed in service in 1980, the first fullly accessible bus fleet in the state of Michigan. [9] Metro Transit installed automatic passenger counters on its buses in 1980 as part of a demonstration project, funded by the state of Michigan. [10]

The Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority was created in 2005 by Kalamazoo County, with the eventual goal of integrating all public transit services in the county. A countywide public transit millage was proposed in 2008, but the measure was rejected by voters. [11] The city and the KCTA went ahead with preliminary plans to merge their transit services even without increased funding, and in 2009, Kalamazoo County's Care-A-Van rural transit service was merged with Metro Transit's Metro Van paratransit service to create the Metro County Connect service. [12]

A state law passed in 2010 allowed Kalamazoo County to have two transportation authorities, each levying a different property tax rate. The Central County Transportation Authority was created to levy a higher property tax the urbanized areas of Kalamazoo County, including the cities of Kalamazoo and Portage. Two separate millage proposals, a lower rate for rural areas via the KCTA and a higher rate for urban areas via the CCTA, were approved by voters in August 2015. The operations of the transit system were transferred from the city of Kalamazoo to CCTA in October 2016. [13]

Rebranding to "Metro"

Metro Transit rebranded as "Metro" in 2018. The rebranding included a new logo and a new paint scheme for buses. At the same time, the agency began an effort to study its bus stop locations, with the goal of improving passenger experience and service reliability. As part of the program, Metro removed approximately 16% of its stops, and relocated and added additional stops to better serve its passengers. [14]

COVID-19 crisis and present

Metro suspended service on fixed-route buses from April to May 2020 during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan. [15] Bus service resumed without Sunday service, which was not reinstated until May 2022. [16]

Metro introduced a microtransit service in parts of its fixed-route service area in April 2024. The service is branded as Metro Link, and is operated by Via Transportation. [17]

Routes

The Kalamazoo Transportation Center serves as the primary transfer hub for Kalamazoo Metro Transit bus routes. Additional transfer points are located at the Western Michigan University main campus, The Crossroads mall in Portage, and Maple Hill Pavilion in Oshtemo Township. [4]

No.NameTerminiViaNotes
1WestnedgeKalamazoo

Kalamazoo Transportation Center

Portage

Crossroads Mall

2PortagePortage

Portage Industrial Park

3West Michigan Western Michigan University Main Campus Oshtemo

Maple Hill Pavilion

4OaklandKalamazoo

Kalamazoo Transportation Center

Portage

S. 12th St & W. Milham Av

5East Main Eastwood

Eastwood Plaza

6Parchment Comstock Township

Walmart, Gull Rd

7AlamoOshtemo

Maple Hill Pavilion

 Kalamazoo Central High School Some trips do not serve Kalamazoo Central High School
8MilwoodPortage

Portage Industrial Park

Full service within Portage Industrial Park operates only during weekday peak hours
9Gull RoadComstock Township

Walmart, Gull Rd

10ComstockComstock Township

Meijer, Gull Rd

11Stadium/KVCC Texas Township

Kalamazoo Valley Community College Texas Township Campus

 Kalamazoo College
12Duke Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport
13South BurdickPortage

Meijer, S. Westnedge Ave

Kalamazoo Health DepartmentService to Kalamazoo Health Department operates weekdays only
14West MainOshtemo

Township Hall

15PatersonWoodward Av & Interfaith BlvdTwo weekday trips serve Kalamazoo Township
16LovellOshtemo

58 West Apartments

Western Michigan University Main Campus
19Ring RoadWestern Michigan University Main CampusWestern Michigan University College of Health & Human ServicesService suspended during WMU breaks
21Solon-Kendall – LafayetteKnollwood ApartmentsThe Landing Apartments
25Parkview CampusWestern Michigan University Parkview Campus
26West CentrePortage

Crossroads Mall

Portage

S. 12th St & W. Milham Av

27East RomencePortage

Mulberry Point Apartments

Accidents and incidents

A Metro bus was involved in a serious collision on May 24, 2017. A reckless driver traveling at over 100 mph (160 km/h) on city streets crashed into the front of a Metro bus on the west side of Kalamazoo, leaving the bus driver with lifelong injuries. [18]

On November 27, 2021, a shooting on board a Metro bus at the Kalamazoo Transportation Center injured 3 bus passengers. The shooter was killed by responding Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers. All 3 passengers recovered from their injuries. [19]

Fares

The standard fare for Metro fixed-route bus services is $1.50. Children under 48 in (120 cm) tall, seniors, and Medicare recipients ride for half price. Transfers are free and valid for 60 minutes. Western Michigan University students, faculty, and staff ride for free on all routes. [20]

Metro Connect rural bus service charges a standard fare of $12, with discounts available for individuals eligible for paratransit service. [21]

Governance

Metro services are operated by the Central County Transportation Authority, a division of the Kalamazoo County government with a separate board of trustees. The Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority, also a division of the county government, funds the rural services that are provided by Metro. [22]

From 1967 to 2016, Metro Transit services were operated by the city of Kalamazoo. The Metro bus depot and the Kalamazoo Transportation Center are owned by the city of Kalamazoo, and are leased to the CCTA for $1 per year. [13]

As of 2012, the executive director of Metro is Sean McBride. [11]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority</span>

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA), branded as TheRide, is the public transit system serving the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area in the U.S. state of Michigan. In fiscal year 2021, the system had a ridership of 1,725,797.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Rapid</span> Public transit system in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

The Rapid is the public transit operator serving Grand Rapids, Michigan and its surrounding suburbs. The Rapid operates local service in urban areas in Kent County, and regional service to Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University in Mecosta and Ottawa Counties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Green Bay Metro</span> Bus service serving Green Bay, Wisconsin

Green Bay Metro is the mass transit system found in the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin. It also provides service in Ashwaubenon, Allouez, De Pere, and Bellevue. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 832,900, or about 2,800 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Capital Area Transit (Harrisburg)</span> Public transportation agency in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

rabbittransit Capital Region, formerly known as Capital Area Transit (CAT), is a public transportation agency that operates bus and paratransit service in the Harrisburg–Carlisle metropolitan statistical area. Its scheduled route bus service covers much of the southern half of Dauphin County and the eastern half of Cumberland County. It also operates one bus route into northern York County. CAT's shared ride/paratransit operations serve residents throughout Dauphin County. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 1,200,800.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhode Island Public Transit Authority</span> Public transport agency in Rhode Island, US

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides public transportation, primarily buses, in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. The main hub of the RIPTA system is Kennedy Plaza, a large bus terminal in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Average daily ridership as of the third quarter of 2024 is 41,900. The agency operates 59 fixed-route bus routes and 7 demand-responsive routes, together serving 37 out of 39 Rhode Island municipalities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monterey–Salinas Transit</span>

Monterey–Salinas Transit (MST) is the public transit system for Monterey County, California. Service is primarily to the greater Monterey and Salinas areas, but extends as far south as Paso Robles and Big Sur and as far north as Watsonville. Most lines follow a hub-and-spoke system, connecting at hubs in Monterey or Salinas. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 2,470,300, or about 9,500 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LANta</span> Public transportation authority in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, United States

The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) is a regional public transportation authority that provides public bus and rapid transit service throughout the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and their respective suburbs.

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is the public transport agency serving Cincinnati and its Ohio suburbs. SORTA operates Metro fixed-route buses, bus rapid transit, microtransit, and paratransit services. SORTA's headquarters are located at the Huntington Building in Cincinnati’s Central Business District. The agency is managed by CEO and General Manager Darryl Haley along with a 13-member board of trustees. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 13,091,500, or about 44,600 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norwalk Transit District</span> Public transportation provider

The Norwalk Transit District (NTD) is the primary provider of public transportation services in Norwalk, Connecticut, United States, and surrounding communities. The local Norwalk fixed-route bus transit system, is the primary service of the district linking Norwalk and its immediate suburbs. The agency also operates regional bus service as far east as Milford and commuter shuttles to Metro-North stations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation</span> Public transit operator in suburban Metro Detroit, Michigan

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is the public transit operator serving the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, United States. Beginning operations in 1967 as the Southeastern Michigan Transportation Authority (SEMTA), the agency was reorganized and renamed SMART in 1989. SMART operates 45 bus routes, plus paratransit and microtransit services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denton County Transportation Authority</span> Transit agency in Denton County, Texas

The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) is the transit authority that operates in Denton County, Texas. It operates transit service in three cities within Denton County, as well as the A-train, a regional commuter rail line to Carrollton. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 2,852,000, or about 8,900 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.

The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) is the public transit authority of Whatcom County in northwestern Washington, based in the city of Bellingham. It provides bus service on 28 fixed routes, including four branded "GO Lines" with 15-minute frequencies on weekdays. In addition to bus service, the WTA offers paratransit service and a vanpool programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norwalk Transit (California)</span>

Norwalk Transit is a municipal transit company providing fixed-route and paratransit bus transit services in Norwalk, California, United States, and also operates in portions of Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, La Habra, La Mirada, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier in southeast Los Angeles County and northwestern Orange County. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 998,000, or about 4,600 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shoreline Metro</span>

Shoreline Metro is the bus system owned and operated by the city of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Shoreline Metro services three communities with fixed route public transit system including the City of Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls and Kohler. It operates ten fixed routes Monday through Saturday and tripper service during the school year with an additional three morning routes and four afternoon routes for school-aged children.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demand-responsive transport</span> Shared transport services based only on demand without fixed routes or timetables

Demand-responsive transport (DRT), also known as demand-responsive transit, demand-responsive service, Dial-a-Ride transit, flexible transport services, Microtransit, Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT), Carpool or On-demand bus service is a form of shared private or quasi-public transport for groups traveling where vehicles alter their routes each journey based on particular transport demand without using a fixed route or timetabled journeys. These vehicles typically pick-up and drop-off passengers in locations according to passengers needs and can include taxis, buses or other vehicles. Passengers can typically summon the service with a mobile phone app or by telephone; telephone is particularly relevant to older users who may not be conversant with technology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock Region Metro</span> Transit authority of Little Rock, Arkansas

Rock Region Metropolitan Transit Authority, is the largest transit agency in Arkansas. It was formerly known as the Central Arkansas Transit Authority. Rock Region Metro provides public transportation services within Pulaski County, Arkansas, seven days a week.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian Trails</span> Intercity bus operator based in Michigan

Indian Trails is an intercity bus operator primarily serving the U.S. state of Michigan, with routes also serving Wisconsin and Minnesota. Indian Trails is based in Owosso, Michigan, with offices in Romulus, East Lansing, and Kalamazoo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transportation in metropolitan Detroit</span>

Transportation in metropolitan Detroit comprises an expansive system of roadways, multiple public transit systems, a major international airport, freight railroads, and ports. Located on the Detroit River along the Great Lakes Waterway, Detroit is a significant city in international trade, with two land crossings to Canada. Three primary Interstate highways serve the region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RideKC</span> Public transportation system for metro Kansas City

RideKC is the brand for public transportation systems in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

References

  1. ↑ "2023 Annual Agency Profile - Central County Transportation Authority (NTD ID 50035)" (PDF). Federal Transit Administration. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  2. ↑ "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2023" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. March 4, 2024. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  3. ↑ "Transit Ridership Report Third Quarter 2024" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. November 20, 2024. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
  4. 1 2 "Routes & Schedules". Kalamazoo Metro. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
  5. 1 2 Howard, Keith (September 2023). "Streetcar Service in Kalamazoo: Electric Cars & Interurbans (1893-1932)". Kalamazoo Public Library. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  6. ↑ Howard, Keith (February 2021). "Nazareth Academy Bus Line: Kalamazoo's First Auto Bus". Kalamazoo Public Library. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  7. ↑ Richard, Tim (February 23, 1964). "City Officials Ponder Future of Bus Service Here". Kalamazoo Gazette. p. 40 – via NewsBank.
  8. ↑ Smith, Harold T. (October 26, 1966). "Bus Service Here A Question Mark With End of Pact". Kalamazoo Gazette. pp. 1–2 – via NewsBank.
  9. 1 2 3 "Public Transportation in Kalamazoo: History of a System 1900 – 2014" (PDF). Kalamazoo Metro. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  10. ↑ Hodges, Carol C. (June 1985). Automatic Passenger Counter Systems: The State of the Practice (Report). Lane Council of Governments / Urban Mass Transit Administration. pp. 33–38. doi:10.21949/1527280.
  11. 1 2 Klug, Fritz (September 10, 2012). "Kalamazoo city, county elected officials discussing future of county-wide transportation department". MLive. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  12. ↑ Russon, Gabrielle (November 5, 2009). "Metro County Connect starts merged transport services around Kalamazoo County". MLive. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  13. 1 2 "Comprehensive Transition Agreement, Effective October 19, 2015" (PDF). Kalamazoo Metro. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
  14. ↑ Barrett, Malachi (October 29, 2018). "Nearly 200 Kalamazoo Metro bus stops to close, 90 added under plan". MLive. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  15. ↑ "Kalamazoo Metro bus services begin with new guidelines". WXMI . May 18, 2020. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  16. ↑ Miller, Kayla (May 1, 2022). "Bus service returns on Sundays in Kalamazoo after pandemic hiatus". MLive. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  17. ↑ Ede, Donny (April 12, 2024). "Kalamazoo Metro launches 'Metro Link' pilot rideshare service". WWMT. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  18. ↑ Devereaux, Brad (June 19, 2017). "Car was going over 100 mph when it collided with Metro Transit bus". MLive. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
  19. ↑ Weidmayer, Marie (May 6, 2022). "Kalamazoo officers acted in self-defense while shooting man at bus station, prosecutor rules". MLive. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
  20. ↑ "Fares". Kalamazoo Metro. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
  21. ↑ "Metro Connect Details". Kalamazoo Metro. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
  22. ↑ "Board of Commissioners: Advisory Boards and Committees". Kalamazoo County. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.