Program Overview

The Advancing Rural Mobility Program is expanding statewide and now welcoming new transit agencies. Participating agencies receive hands-on support to publish GTFS-Flex data and connect with the MiTripPlanner, making their services more visible and accessible to riders. The program received a federal Stage 1 Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant to launch the first phase with 15 agencies. MDOT is now using state funding and pursuing additional federal funding to continue to expand the project’s reach and impact.

Why It Matters

Integration with the MiTripPlanner tool helps riders discover and plan trips more easily, improving access to transit options across Michigan. Participating agencies also benefit from technical support, consistent data across platforms, and increased visibility. The program helps expand mobility in rural communities, provides reliable transit information, and establishes a replicable model for future transit innovations. Learn more about key partner benefits at MiRuralMobility.org.

A group of people seated inside a small bus, talking and facing one another during a ride.

Who Should Join

We invite MDOT-funded transit agencies receiving formula funding or local bus operating assistance to join the program. To participate or learn more, please reach out to MDOT Project Manager Sherry Vandevender at VandevenderS@Michigan.gov.

What's New MITripPlanner December 2025 System Updates

MDOT has continued modernizing the MiTripPlanner tool to serve as Michigan’s single, authoritative source for flexible transit data (GTFS-Flex). Riders will now see official trip-planning zone boundaries displayed on the map whenever they plan a trip, making it easier to understand where trip planning is supported. Additionally, several service-area boundaries have been updated to more accurately reflect official city, township, and municipal limits, further improving the precision of trip planning.

A digital map interface of the MITripPlanner tool showing a search bar at the top and a feedback button highlighted in the lower right corner.

Share Your Feedback!

Help us make MiTripPlanner even better by sharing your thoughts. Simply click the Feedback button located at the bottom-right corner of the MiTripPlanner (as shown in the image above) to open the feedback form and submit your comments.

Partner Agency Spotlight: Gladwin City-County Transit

Two Gladwin City-County Transit vehicles used for servicing the community.

Gladwin City-County Transit (GCCT) continues to be a driving force for mobility in Gladwin County, celebrating an impressive 50 years of service to the community in 2025. GCCT was honored with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition and a city proclamation, recognizing its decades of dedication to connecting residents with opportunity and independence.

GCCT specializes in demand-response transit, offering door-to-door service for medical appointments, recurring rides, and transfers to neighboring counties -- making it easy for riders to reach destinations both near and far. The agency’s commitment to accessibility is clear: all buses and vans are wheelchair-accessible, and GCCT provides reduced fares for seniors, students, and people with disabilities. Riders needing assistance can travel with an aid at no extra cost, and GCCT’s policies ensure safe, respectful, and inclusive service for all. The agency operates services Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., making GCCT a convenient choice for daily travel.

Upcoming Technology Events/Tech Talks

January Tech Talk: Fare Payment Systems – Jan. 29, 1-2 p.m.

Are you thinking about a new fare payment system? Trevor Findley, principal and co-founder of Clevor Consulting Group, a boutique firm that deals exclusively with transit fare payment, will walk us through the basics of what you should consider. Key items include terminology, pros and cons of different types of systems, what to include in an RFP and more.

February Tech Talk: AI for Transit - Practical Applications for Public Agencies – Feb. 12, 3-4 p.m.

Stephen Kuban, CEO of Kuban Transit Solutions, will share how transit leaders can immediately leverage AI tools to accelerate the impact they deliver and shatter their glass ceilings — no technical background required. Whether you are an AI power user or have never heard of ChatGPT, this talk will inspire you to reimagine how you perform work.

If you would like to receive an invitation to the Tech Talks, contact Janet Geissler at GeisslerJ1@Michigan.gov.

Stay Connected

Please get in touch with MDOT Project Manager Sherry Vandevender at VandevenderS@Michigan.gov with any questions or comments.