Berrien CT. Community Developmental Director

Dan Fette. the Community Developmental Director for Berrien County, told us about a new county-wide transportation authority in Berrien County. 

For many years, public transportation in the County has been run by 3 different and disconnected organizations: Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority (Also known as BH Dial -a-Ride), Berrien Bus and Niles Dial a Ride. This has been a very inefficient system and leaves about 34,000 people in the County without transportation due to holes in coverage. This affects students, seniors and the disabled the most. 

In August of 2025, the Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) sent a letter to the County telling them that they had to develop a coordinated system or lose funding by 2027. A large part of the concern for MDOT was that BH Dial-a-Ride could not find affordable insurance. 

Many meetings later, the County Board passed a resolution for a new Berrien County Transportation Authority (BCTA). They hope to start by Jan. 1st, 2027. It will be funded by MDOT for the next 3 years. After that, a county-wide millage will have to be passed. 

At this time, Watervliet has opted out of the authority, but Dan is hopeful that they will come on board soon. A coordinated system will not only save money through efficiency but also aid residents who need help with transportation the most.