CUPPAD recent survey completed

Survey of Delta County residents finds That 85% prefer an expansion of DATA transit services including evening weeknight and saturday service

ESCANABA - The Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Transit Efficiency and Regionalization Study (MDSTERS) is an ongoing study exploring opportunities for transit coordination and consolidation within the Central Upper Peninsula region. As part of public engagement for the study, a public survey was recently completed to gauge residents' existing perception of transit in the three-county region and to determine what types of service coordination and upgrades they value and support. A total of 376 survey responses were collected between March 30th and April 29th, 2026, including 281 online and 95 from a stamped, self-addressed mail back survey that was sent to a random sample of 2,500 households geographically distributed across the study area.

The first section of the survey aimed to understand transit use trends. Approximately one third of respondents use transit services. Among those who use transit, half ride DATA Dial-A-Ride. In the next section, all respondents (transit and non-transit users) were presented with a list of transit benefits and could select as many choices as they saw fit. The two-highest rated were supporting seniors and the disabled by providing transit that meets individual needs. For the next question about improving services, 44% selected the option to extend service hours to early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Most respondents (85%) believe coordinating transit across the region is either somewhat (55%) or very important (30%).

Participants from Delta County then answered questions on DATA transit services and the upcoming August 4th millage. Most respondents (85%) felt maintaining current services is "very important", and 67% found expanding service hours "very beneficial". For both questions, under 5% of respondents felt these improvements were "not important". Only 16% of respondents were somewhat or strongly opposed to increasing the millage countywide.

"Reliable transportation is one of the most important public services a community can provide. The strong support from this survey for local transportation demonstrates that residents recognize the value of this service, and makes sure that people can access employment opportunities, healthcare, education, and other essential services that enhance the quality of life for people in our region," said Dotty LaJoye, Executive Director of CUPPAD.

With limited service beyond weekday Dial-A-Ride, most respondents do not currently use transit; however, based on survey feedback, residents of Delta County generally favor expanding transit operations into evenings and weekends. Delta County will vote on whether to increase and expand the DATA transit millage on August 4th, 2026.