Column: If we build mass transit, they won’t necessarily come

Column: If we build mass transit, they won’t necessarily come:
"Mass transit use is declining across America despite substantial tax increases intended to prop up buses, light rail and trolleys.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, mass transit use has declined in 24 of 30 major U.S. cities since 2014.
Metro Detroit is experiencing this national trend.
In 2014, Macomb County voters approved a 65 percent increase in the property tax subsidizing the SMART bus system - and SMART ridership declined by more than 7 percent from 2013 to 2016 according to Michigan Department of Transportation data.
SMART anticipates even fewer riders this year, according to their 2018 budget.
...Even without additional taxes, Metro Detroit taxpayers will pay $7 billion over the next 20 years in mass transit taxes - over $4,250 per household - through gas taxes, vehicle registration fees and existing property taxes..."
Read on!