MI SB0988

Establishes a regional transit coordinating council for metropolitan areas with a city of 750,000+ population, including the city, its county, and all immediately contiguous counties.

Limits the council's powers to adopting public transportation plans and coordinating services between operators; council cannot employ operating personnel, negotiate labor agreements, or own operating assets.

Requires the council to act by unanimous vote of voting members, meet at least quarterly, hold public meetings under the Open Meetings Act, and establish an advisory committee of senior citizens and persons with disabilities who use transit.

Designates the council as a "designated recipient" for federal and state transportation grants, with funds distributed to the city and county authority within 10 business days; distribution determined by federal and state formulas as if subrecipients applied independently.

Requires financial audits of transit operations to be submitted to the state transportation department before federal or state funds are distributed, conducted in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and federal grant compliance requirements.