TCATA, which oversees Dial-A-Ride in the Benton Harbor area, has recently faced financial and operational difficulties. Dial-A-Ride is in a deficit because of rising insurance costs and a lack of funding.

In a letter obtained by ABC57 News, MDOT informed TCATA of plans to be dissolved when the new agency or authority is designated. The letter states, "TCATA has not consistently demonstrated their ability to operate a fiscally and operationally stable agency that is fully compliant with state and federal requirements." It goes on to say, "a new designated recipient that enables all participants to have both economic and governance input with the public transit system will ensure greater success."

The Healthy Berrien Consortium is now leading the charge to help form the new transportation authority. Closed-door meetings are happening with the Berrien County Health Department, Berrien County Commissioners, Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority, Dial-A-Ride, Berrien Bus, Corewell Health, Lake Michigan College, Berrien RESA and the Area Agency on Aging.

The Healthy Berrien Consortium has a Transportation Subcommittee that already focuses on transportation, mobility and accessibility and how they impact the health of residents. The subcommittee's role is to identify gaps and advocate for solutions. It's now building on research conducted in Berrien County over the past several years to seek improvements.

The new transportation authority has a target date of October 1, 2026, with the transition expected to happen gradually.