Mass transit systems in Michigan could lead to thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investments. That's according to supporters of a new bill in the State House.

Right now, it's mainly Detroit and Grand rapids, but this bill could lead to rapid transit in places like Ann Arbor, Howell and possibly Lansing. Backers say it would kill at least three birds with one stone-- like creating jobs, businesses, and helping folks get around high gas prices.

It's not a done deal by any means, but it does have plenty of momentum and this House bill-- if it's passed-- could really be a giant step toward making it reality.

WHAT KIND OF TRANSPORTATION?
What we're talking about is light rail, commuter rail and buses. Detroit is way ahead in this process with plans for a privately-funded rail line.
An idea for a high-speed commuter rail line from Ann Arbor to Howell to Detroit also has support.
Grand Rapids has already approved an idea for mass transit and is looking at a trolley for its downtown area.

But this legislation is needed to open the door for those projects.
"What House Bill 6114 will do is it will provide a tool for the clustering of development in and around transit stops you'd see in cities like Chicago, New York and Minneapolis," said Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. "It's really lit (those) economies on fire and we think it will do the same here in Michigan."

Wilx.com spoke to the Governor's press secretary today and while this is all preliminary, Liz Boyd says Governor Jennifer Granholm is very excited about mass transit and very supportive of the ideas happening in Detroit right now. So, while it's way too early to know if she'll sign the bill, since she hasn't seen it, the odds are she'll be leaning that way.

The Michigan Municipal League also points to cities like Dallas, St. Louis and Charlotte, North Carolina, as places where rapid transit has been wildly successful for local economies.