DETROIT, Mich.

FOR RELEASE: September 20, 2001

Big Three Support Development of Tri-County Mass Transit System

DETROIT, Mich. – The DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation sent a letter supporting development of a high-quality, comprehensive regional public transportation system for Southeast Michigan. The letter was sent to Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Hertel, Oakland Country Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Wayne Country Executive Edward McNamara.

The letter stressed the importance of an effective regional transportation system in connecting workers with jobs, serving a rapidly aging population, and in reducing traffic congestion, which has a positive effect on the environment.

(The Letter)

The Honorable Dennis Archer City of DetroitMayor Chairman	The Honorable John Hertel Macomb County Board of Commissioners  Chairman
The Honorable L. Brooks Patterson Oakland County Executive	The Honorable Edward McNamara Wayne County Executive

As the Southeastern Michigan Council of Government (SEMCOG) continues work on developing comprehensive regional transit plan, we want to reiterate our support for public transit in Southeastern Michigan.

Towards that end, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation support development of a high-quality, comprehensive regional public transportation system for Southeast Michigan. An effective regional transportation system is important in connecting workers with jobs, serving a rapidly aging population and in reducing traffic congestion, which has a positive effect on the environment. A regional transportation system should effectively integrate all forms of ground transportation including rail, bus, bus rapid transit, motor vehicles and other forms of transit.

The three companies look forward to working collaboratively with you and a broad coalition of stakeholders – including the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, the Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength (MOSES), the Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit Renaissance, and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) – in helping establish an enhanced regional transit system that truly meets the metropolitan area’s needs.