2026 Metro Millage Facts
Voters to consider a millage to continue to fund Metro public transit services in Kalamazoo County on August 4.
What Is the Millage Request?
Voters will be asked to consider a millage of 0.36 mills for seven years beginning in 2027 to fund the Metro public transit system, specifically Metro Connect and Metro Share.
Is This a New Millage?
This millage request would replace the previous voter-approved .3124 millage, which expires at the end of this year. The proposed 0.36 millage on this year’s ballot is lower than the original 2009 millage of 0.40.
How Is Public Transportation Funded?
Kalamazoo County’s public transportation system is funded with rider fares, along with local, state and federal financial sources. Local millage funds support roughly 39 percent of a total budget of $27.5 million. The millage leverages the flow of state and federal public transit grants to Kalamazoo County.
What is the Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority (KCTA)?
The KCTA works in partnership with the Central County Transportation Authority (CCTA) to oversee the public transit services in Kalamazoo County known collectively as Metro. The KCTA’s nine-member Board of Directors is appointed by the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners. The KCTA and CCTA conduct a public meeting on the second Monday of each month at 530 N. Rose Street in Kalamazoo. The public is invited to attend those meetings and share opinions during the public comment period of the meeting agenda.
What is Metro Connect?
Metro Connect is a curb-to-curb, shared-ride program serving Kalamazoo County & the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek. In 2025, Metro Connect provided 148,286 rides to registered riders.
How Do I Access Metro Connect Services?
Anyone can register to use Metro Connect by completing a certification form or by calling (269) 337-8222. Fares are based on rider status, starting at $12 per ride for general rides. Seniors and individuals with a disability can apply for reduced fare.
Once registered, riders can call scheduling at (269) 350-2970 up to seven days in advance to book shared-ride service anywhere in the county. Metro Connect, using ADA-compliant vehicles, picks up riders at their location and takes them to their destination.
Who Can Vote?
All registered voters throughout Kalamazoo County may vote in the August 4 election.
How Much Will the Millage Cost a Homeowner?
The cost of 0.36 mills for a home with a market value of $200,000 is $36 a year. The millage is applied to the home’s taxable value, which is 50 percent of the market value. A mill is a $1 tax for every $1,000 of taxable value.
How Does the Community Benefit from Public Transportation?
Reliable transportation is linked to economic stability and quality of life in communities that have public transportation. Metro operates seven days a week, providing public transit options to connect people to jobs, school, medical services and other community amenities.
What is Metro Share?
Metro Share served 30,439 riders last year by providing access to nine no-cost vehicles for approved governmental/non-profit agencies serving seniors and individuals with a disability. Agencies provide drivers who must complete regular training with Metro staff. Vehicles may be reserved seven days a week.
How Do I Access Metro Share Services?
Non-profit and governmental agencies who serve seniors and/or individuals with a disability can apply by contacting Metro's Program Manager at (269) 337-8222.
Approved agencies assign drivers who will attend training by Metro staff and pass screening/drug testing to become certified. Approved agencies are able to reserve vehicles seven days per week to transport their clients.
What is the Exact Ballot Language?
The Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority (KCTA) provides on demand public transit services to all Kalamazoo County through the Metro Connect program.
May the KCTA levy a tax for public transit purposes of up to 0.36 mills (36 cents per $1,000 of taxable value), this millage:
(a) Would be a renewal of a previously authorized millage expiring with the 2026 levy, the previously authorized millage of 0.3124 mills will increase by 0.0476 mills to equal 0.36 total mills;
(b) Would be levied for seven (7) years, 2027 through 2033;
(c) Is estimated to raise $4.6 million in its first year; and
(d) Applies to the taxable value of all taxable property within the geographic boundary of the Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority.
YES Vote
A "YES" vote would approve the millage request above. The millage funding would go to Metro for the continuation of Metro Connect and Metro Share.
NO Vote
A "NO" vote would not approve the millage request above. There would no longer be a millage funding collection that goes toward Metro Connect and Metro Share.
How to Learn More
If you have questions or want more information, visit kmetro.com or call (269) 337-8087.
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