Improving access to public transit
in Michigan’s rural communities
Program Overview
In rural communities, public transit provides a critical lifeline, but knowing what services are available can be challenging. The Advancing Rural Mobility Program (ARMP) seeks to improve transit trip planning in rural areas and provide access to static and real-time transit information to passengers.
The program works to close information gaps by helping rural transit agencies share consistent, easy‑to‑use service information. This allows local transit services to appear in public trip‑planning tools, including Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) MI Trip Planner tool, making it easier for people to find and use transit while also preparing agencies for future transportation technologies.
The Advancing Rural Mobility Program began as a federal funded pilot through a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Stage 1 grant. Building on early success, MDOT’s Office of Passenger Transportation (OPT) is using lessons learned to shape a scalable, statewide program and expand access for transit agencies across Michigan.
Mi Trip Planner
The Advancing Rural Mobility project’s trip planner tool aims to enhance transportation access and efficiencies in rural areas. To meet the unique needs of Michigan’s rural communities, the trip planner utilizes partner transit agencies service data to display possible trip planning options. Transit riders will benefit from increased awareness of available transportation options, helping improve access to essential services, reduce isolation, and ultimately foster greater connectivity and quality of life.
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Newsletter Archives
Read the previous newsletter releases to learn more about previous Advancing Rural Mobility Program milestones and information.
View below for the newsletters consisting of program updates from 2024.
View below for the newsletters consisting of program updates from 2026.
View below for the newsletters consisting of program updates from 2026.
