The local UP chapter of We The People Action Fund (WTP) has presented the MarqTran board members with a document detailing recommendations for improved bus pass accessibility to the transit system. WTP reports this resulted from over six months of engaging with the community as well as MarqTran board members and leadership to develop improvements to the county-wide transit system.
“Every one of us works hard to make a better future for our families. And we should be able to rely on good, affordable public transit to keep us on the move,” said Ruby Miller, an organizer with We the People Action Fund.
The UP chapter of WTP officially launched in May 2025, and has been working diligently to gather feedback from the community that can be used to improve services in Marquette County. During the first half of the year, WTP hosted listening sessions and mutual aid workshops to start conversations around needed resources and grow the team. Community members stepped into leadership roles and say that a strong transit system is essential to the community in accessing healthcare, food, affordable housing and employment.
Representatives from the local chapter say the mission’s initial focus was improving accessibility of bus passes, and began regularly attending board meetings as well as sitting down for conversations with MarqTran board members, staff and riders. This engagement has positioned WTP as a key player in the conversation of public transit. The organization was glad to learn that MarqTran has begun taking steps to improve bus pass accessibility by testing the Michigan Mobility Wallet app and making plans to improve the website.
With those improvements already underway, WtP’s recommendations highlighted the need for board members to engage deliberately and regularly with riders and the communities they represent, as well as advocate with our State Representatives and MDOT to stabilize and increase the budget for operations and improvements. WTP’s UP team hopes to work with MarqTran to empower future efforts, improving access to the MarqTran bus pass system and beyond.
The need for improved public transit is one example of neglected rural resources that impact working class yoopers access to affordable housing, food, healthcare and employment. Through empowering teams, built by and for local leaders, WTP’s UP Team will continue to engage with decision makers and representatives on the local and state level to advocate for these resources and hold leadership accountable.
“Together, we can push for resources like fully funded and widespread public transit, so that we can all get to a better future,” Miller said.
To find out more or get involved, contact Ruby Miller at [email protected], who is available for interview as well.