Flint Offers Most Affordable Public Transit in Michigan at $0.11 Per Mile

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Article courtesy of Metropolitan Shuttle.

• Flint, Michigan, leads the state with the lowest public transportation fare at just $0.11 per mile

• Detroit and Ann Arbor follow closely asthe  second and third most affordable at $0.14 and $0.15 per mile, respectively

• Study finds Kalamazoo has the highest transit costs in Michigan at $0.42 per mile, nearly four times more expensive than Flint

A new study by Metropolitan Shuttle reveals significant price differences in public transportation costs across major Michigan cities, with fares varying by as much as 282% between the most and least expensive options.

Flint emerges as Michigan’s most affordable city for public transportation, with average fares of just $0.11 per mile. The city’s public transit system offers costs that are nearly 75% lower than the most expensive city in the ranking across 14 primary routes. This affordability provides much-needed economic relief for Flint residents, many of whom depend on public transportation for daily commuting.

Detroit, Michigan’s largest city, ranks as the second most affordable for public transit with average fares of $0.14 per mile. Despite serving the state’s biggest metropolitan area with its extensive bus network of more than 30 routes, Detroit maintains pricing that helps make transportation accessible to its 673,000 residents.

Ann Arbor follows closely as the third most budget-friendly option at $0.15 per mile. Home to the University of Michigan, the city’s cost-effective transit system serves both students and residents with fares that remain 64% lower than the highest-priced city in the study. TheRide has recently started to implement changes and adjustments including expanded operational hours in order to improve the service.

Holland offers public transportation at an average of $0.22 per mile, placing it fourth in the ranking. Located on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, Holland’s transit system serves both year-round residents and seasonal tourists at rates that balance accessibility with operational costs. The MAX transport service has recently implemented changes to its service structure, including starting weekday service earlier to allow for first-shift workers.

Lansing, Michigan’s capital, ranks fifth with public transportation costs averaging $0.25 per mile. The city’s transit system serves government employees, students at Michigan State University, and residents with 8 routes serving the campus alone.

Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city, has the second highest public transportation costs at $0.30 per mile.  Grand Rapids’ transit system has expanded significantly in recent years, with its higher fares reflecting these infrastructure investments. The city has 26 routes, with two of them dedicated to GVSU’s campus.

Kalamazoo has Michigan’s highest public transportation costs among major cities, with average fares of $0.42 per mile.

According to data from the Michigan Department of Transportation, public transportation investments generate substantial economic returns. The state’s $2.8 billion investment in public transportation for fiscal years 2026-2030 is expected to support an average of 11,554 jobs annually and contribute more than $1.9 billion in increased business output.

Michigan cities ranked by average fare per mile