摘要: |
Effective governance of transit systems is created through a qualified, representative, informed, diverse, and committed board of directors that is ultimately accountable for the financial performance and quality of the service in the designated region. A summary is provided of the best governance practices used by independent transit authorities in four comparable regions: Atlanta, Cleveland, Denver and St. Louis. These practices are analyzed with respect to their applicability to the Metro Detroit region. In 2012, Michigan Public Act 387 created the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA). Widely regarded as an effective system, the act embraces many of the elements identified as most vital to successful governance. Analysis of the best elements of successful governance in the four peer areas concludes that the governance provisions contained in the RTA legislation go a long way toward achieving an effective governance structure. However, the RTA will not, initially, own and operate the existing systems in the Southeast Michigan region. As long as the existing authorities or city departments operate transit systems in the region, they should also strive to achieve optimum governance structures. Active and engaged citizen advisory boards are also a critical factor. In addition to meeting a precondition for certain federal grants, citizen boards also provide valuable input regarding the quality and effectiveness of services. |