Everyone wants to save money at the gas pump. But it’s hard to make sure everything runs efficiently when caring for a fleet of vehicles. The cities were awarded an MDOT consolidation grant opportunity to analyze transportation in the region. Since September the cities of Houghton and Hancock have begun preparing to ask the community an important question.
How does the Copper Country create an efficient transportation system?
As public transportation exists in the area today, both cities operate separate systems, as does the university.
We need to get this out in the community and get people to hear and see what this grant and the consolidation study are all about. The survey is a vehicle for the voices of the area to get their input and figure out if there is a broader need than what is currently provided. And that is important to MDOT. You know, the City of Hancock and Houghton provides services within the city limits. But there’s also a community through Houghton County that maybe would like to see this in their area. – Mary Babcock, City Manager, City of Hancock
Yesterday Houghton and Hancock hosted two information sessions. Residents were able to speak with Larry Strange with Mp2Planning, and a representive from the Michigan Department of Transportation. And share their experiences, good and bad, of using the local busing services.
At the start of February city and Houghton County residents will receive a transportation survey in the mail. Across Houghton County the cities will mail close to 9,000 surveys on transit. City manager of Hancock Mary Babcock says the community will also see QR codes posted around the area to access an online version of the survey.
