© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Traffic, business impacts worry Bus Rapid Transit foes

Mert's Meats photo
Courtesy photo
/
Mert's Meats
The owners of Mert's Meats in Okemos are worried that business could be harmed by the BRT project.

Some Meridian Township residents and businesses are speaking out against a proposal to build a Bus Rapid Transit system extending to Okemos. We speak with two opponents of the BRT proposal.

Two days ago, we learned more about a proposed $133-million dollar overhaul of a key CATA bus route between downtown Lansing and Okemos. The agency says passengers make a total of 1.7-million rides a year on Route 1.

Supporters want to use that government money to turn Route 1 into a Bus Rapid Transit line, featuring dedicated lanes for buses and cars as well as for left turns and U-turns.

Others oppose the plan, expecting worse traffic and fewer shoppers in some stores near the route. They also complain of a lack of awareness and oversight of the BRT proposal.

Current State talks with opponents Shirley Decker, co-owner of Mert’s Meats on Grand River in Okemos, and Okemos resident Sherry Martin.

Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!