State investment will support early planning and design of a proposed transportation hub to improve regional connectivity and accessibility throughout Calhoun County.
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The Transportation Authority of Calhoun County (TACC) has been selected to receive $2.4 million through the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Infrastructure Projects Authority Fund (IPAF) to advance planning and design for a proposed Next Generation Multimodal Transportation Center in Battle Creek.
The investment represents an important step toward addressing current facility limitations while exploring opportunities to create a more connected and accessible transportation network for Battle Creek and surrounding Calhoun County communities.
The proposed center would bring together multiple transportation options, including public transit, passenger rail, intercity bus services, pedestrian pathways and bicycle connections. By connecting these transportation modes in one location, the project aims to make it easier for residents to travel throughout Battle Creek and reach neighboring communities such as Marshall, Albion and Springfield.
"This is an exciting opportunity to think about the future of transportation in Calhoun County and how we can better serve our communities," said Mallory Avis, Executive Director of TACC. "As our transportation needs evolve, we want to ensure our facilities and services can evolve with them. This funding allows us to take a thoughtful, data-driven approach to planning a transportation center that could strengthen regional connections and make it easier for residents to access the places and services they rely on."
The project responds to space limitations within TACC's existing administrative, maintenance and vehicle storage facilities. Through the planning process, TACC will evaluate current and future facility needs, using National Transit Database metrics and information from computer-aided dispatch and vehicle location systems to help guide decisions.
Accessibility will also be a key consideration. Planning will examine how a future transportation center could better serve older adults, veterans, people with disabilities and households with limited transportation options, including residents in historically underserved communities.
The $2.4 million award supports early planning and design, rather than construction of the proposed facility. This work will help TACC evaluate project needs, develop the concept and prepare for potential future funding opportunities.
The award is part of Michigan's broader investment in public transportation through IPAF, which provides dedicated funding to strengthen transit services and support new or enhanced transportation options across the state.
"Expanding access to reliable public transportation can make a meaningful difference for people across these communities," said Jean Ruestman, administrator of MDOT's Office of Passenger Transportation. "MDOT is proud to work alongside local and regional partners to strengthen public transportation and improve connections, helping more Michiganders reach jobs, healthcare, education and other essential destinations."
About the Infrastructure Projects Authority Fund (IPAF)
As part of last year's landmark nearly $2 billion Sustainable Road Funding Plan, the Neighborhood Roads Fund (NRF) was established to provide additional transportation funding for projects across Michigan. The NRF includes dedicated funding for public transportation through the Infrastructure Projects Authority Fund (IPAF). IPAF provides long-term, sustainable funding to strengthen existing transit services and support new or enhanced transformational transit options. The 2026 IPAF funding selection committee includes representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation's Office of Passenger Transportation (OPT), the Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO), and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME).
About the Michigan Department of Transportation, Office of Passenger Transportation
The Office of Passenger Transportation (OPT) administers MDOT's passenger transportation programs, including local transit, intercity bus, vanpools, passenger marine, mobility innovations, and private motorbus regulation. OPT coordinates the development and management of operating, capital, and technical assistance programs and projects with local and regional transit agencies, authorities, and private passenger carriers to provide safe and efficient transportation.
About the Transportation Authority of Calhoun County
The Transportation Authority of Calhoun County, also known as Ride Calhoun, provides safe, reliable and accessible public transportation services across Calhoun County. Through fixed-route and on-demand services, TACC connects residents to essential destinations and works to expand mobility for current and future riders.
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