Wayne County transit millage explained: what it is, how much it costs

May 27, 2026

Wayne County residents will vote in August on a millage proposal to fund public transit services, with all 43 communities participating for the first time, including 17 that previously opted out of the SMART transit system. The measure would levy a tax of approximately 98 cents per $1,000 of taxable value for ten years, generating an estimated $57 million annually to support transit operations and expand services for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and the general public. The proposal faces legal challenges from residents who claim the approval process lacked transparency and that the tax burden is excessive, though county officials maintain they followed proper legal procedures.

Who is affected

All Wayne County residents (voters across 43 communities)
Property owners in 17 communities not currently in the SMART system (who would pay a new millage)
Property owners in 26 communities already in the SMART system (no rate increase)
Detroit residents and DDOT system users
Seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who rely on public transit
SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation)
DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation)
Smaller transit providers like Nankin Transit
Wayne County Transit Authority
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit (group called Not Smart Wayne, including Plymouth Township resident Patty Pozios)
Workers who depend on public transportation to access jobs
Specific individuals mentioned: Kim Snider (Livonia resident with cerebral palsy who relies on her 81-year-old mother for transportation)

What action is being taken

Wayne County residents will vote on the transit millage on August 4
A lawsuit has been filed by Wayne County residents challenging the millage process
A hearing on the preliminary injunction motion is scheduled for June 1
SMART is holding ongoing meetings with all 43 communities to build the concept plan
Transportation Riders United (TRU) released a new report and website on May 21 making the case for countywide transit

Why it matters

This millage represents a significant shift in regional transit funding because it would create a fully connected public transit system in Southeast Michigan for the first time by closing service gaps that currently exist in communities outside the SMART system. The measure is crucial for residents who depend on public transportation—particularly seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities—to maintain independence, access employment opportunities, and participate in community activities. Beyond serving transit-dependent populations, supporters argue it would have broader economic impacts by connecting the region, attracting talent, and providing affordable transportation options. If the millage fails, SMART would lack financial resources to fund bus services in Wayne County, affecting all residents including Detroiters who use SMART services, demonstrating the interconnected nature of the regional transit system.

What's next

August 4 ballot vote on the transit millage
June 1 court hearing on the preliminary injunction motion filed by plaintiffs
If approved, the millage would start with the 2026 tax year and run through 2035
If passed, SMART would add 8 new routes, 5 new route extensions, and on-demand service over approximately three years (dependent on acquiring new vehicles)
DDOT would use input from residents and stakeholders to guide spending of any new revenue from the millage

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com