With many agencies and services available, public transit continues to be a viable option for communters throughout Southwest Michigan. The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission's role in public transit is to provide technical assistance and planning to the transit agencies.
In 2005, the SWMPC completed a transit study for Van Buren Public Transit. This study looked at all aspects of the agency from ridership, to expenses, to vehicles, staff, and needs. The SWMPC received a Centers for Regional Excellence grant to implement new technology for Van Buren Public Transit and human service providers. Currently, the Client Mobility Coordination Committee (CMCC) is working to identify what an appropriate software would be for the region and the human service providers.
In July, 2006, the SWMPC received a grant to complete a transit study for Berrien County. This study will focus on the coordination of the multiple transit agencies to increase efficiency for transit users. This study is expected to start in early 2007.