Plans & Progress
Strategic planning is built on a shared mission and realistic goals. It demands an honest look at our internal operations—identifying where we excel and where we must evolve to improve service delivery. By framing transit as a critical link in the larger regional transportation network, we foster the community buy-in necessary to turn these plans into reality
Why do we need a plan?
Berrien County’s four independent transit agencies provide a vital service, but inconsistent coverage leaves many neighbors behind. To support our seniors, tackle poverty, and grow our local economy, we need a stronger, more connected countywide system. Improving our transit network today ensures a more resilient and accessible Berrien County for tomorrow.
It’s about the passenger.
Conversations now will ensure that our most vulnerable populations can remain independent with access to fresh food, employment and educational opportunities, health care and recreational facilities.
To move the conversation forward:
– Have a baseline of public transit in Berrien County.
– Understand the benefits and concerns resulting from consolidation of the four public transit services in Berrien County.
– Understand the steps needed to move public transit systems toward a consolidated model within Berrien County.
Connect Berrien
What is Mobility Management?
Currently, four independent transit agencies provide essential services within Berrien County, yet coverage remains inconsistent, leaving many residents and workers without reliable options. As we look toward the next decade, our region must address vital challenges: supporting an aging population, reducing poverty, and attracting a new generation of talent to fuel our economy. To meet these demands, the Connect Berrien Project Team partnered with Nelson\Nygaard to develop a strategy for a robust, countywide transit system. This plan—shaped by extensive community outreach, interviews, and surveys—positions our region to build a more connected and resilient future for everyone.
Enhance Connect Simplify Sustain
Local Advisory Councils
The purpose of the Local Advisory Committee groups are to serve as the foundation for assessing, planning and strengthening public transportation services in the community and to provide recommendations and input to local public transportation providers and other governing entities.
Robert Cochrane (Cass County Council on Aging)
Jeremy Franks (Area Agency on Aging)
Thomas M. Green (Cass County Veterans Affairs)
Scott Williams (Woodlands Behavioral Health Care)
Joyce Lockwood (User of public transit)
Jan Reed (Dept. of Human Services)
Karen Ford (User of public transit)
(Cass County Administrator)
(Disability Network)
Mark Johnson, Chair (Citizen)
Amanda Drew (Area Agency on Aging)
Cindy Gray (Southwest Michigan Disability Network)
Hannah Lei-Sam (Dept. of Health & Human Services)
Serita Mason (Person with a disability & a user)
Linda McLane (Person with a disability & a user)
Larry Harris (User)
Norma Ferris (Senior user)
Jennifer Krueger (Great Niles Senior Center)
Pam Kahanek (Area Agency on Aging)
Ruthie Haralson (Senior)
Thelma Branch (Benton Harbor Senior Services)
Freddia Washington (Senior)
Cindy Gray (Disability Network)
Julie Pioch (Planning)
Sherry Bennet (Family Advocacy)
Faith Dowd (Area Agency on Aging)
Nicole Handy (Low-Income)
Melanie Giddings (Education)
(User)
Richard Curtis (Senior)
Organizations
There are several organizations that are working to make a positive impact on public transit through advocating for the needs of the community, promoting public transit, and providing essential feedback to promote change. With the help of the following groups, many improvements were made and the awareness of the needs of individuals with disabilities, low-incomes, and the elderly is ever increasing.
Regional Interagency Consumers Committee (RICC)
The Regional Interagency Consumers Committee (RICC) is a local grassroots group of people that is supported by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council. Members include people with developmental disabilities, family members, friends, local advocates, community leaders, and service providers. RICCs are an extension of the Developmental Disabilities Council in more than 30 Michigan counties.
Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. In the 15th Floor conference room at Lakeview Apartments, 601 Port Street, St. Joseph, MI.
The RICC is currently looking for new members. For more information please contact:
Berrien County Mobility Coalition
In 2009, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission conducted two studies of public transit in Berrien County. The outcome of these studies resulted in the formation of the Transit – Human Services Coordination Work Group. This coalition of over 20 agencies, including social service agencies, government departments, and transit agencies had a mission to work toward providing coordinated transportation to meet the needs of Berrien County residents and met for a number of years.
If you would like know about current meetings and opportunities contact: