ABOUT
BENZIE BUS

History

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The Role of
Public Transportation

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Events

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Phone
(231) 325-3000 or
toll free (866) 325-3380

Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
6:00am - 10:00 pm
Saturday
7:00am - 6:00pm

Main Office
12762 Honor Highway
Honor, Michigan 49640

About Benzie Bus

HISTORY

More than 10 years ago a group of citizens in Benzie County began to hold monthly meetings to discuss the need for public transportation in their community.  In February of 2005 they officially launched the Benzie Bus Initiative.  One of the Initiative’s goals was to help the county’s economic growth.  Public transportation not only takes workers to their workplace, but a public bus connects residents, visitors and consumers to local businesses and other places of recreation which is vital to the area economy.  The Benzie Bus Initiative also knew that affordable and consistent transporation would improve educational opportunities in both schools and workplace.  Creating this link gives more people access to job training, increased educational and employment opportunities, and social service programs such as Welfare to Work.

In April of 2006 the Benzie County Board of Commissioners formed the Benzie Transportation Authority and appointed 10 county residents to direct the independent body.  Through multiple meetings and a grassroots approach to gain support, voters approved the 0.5 millage request- 58% yes, 42% no.  Turnout was 34%, which was double the turnout in the previous primary election and it was the first time in Michigan’s history that a public transportation ballot had passed on the first attempt.  In January 2007, the Benzie Bus became a reality, and opened its doors to the public.

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