Alternative Transportation

Carpooling

There are many benefits to be considered when looking at carpooling. 

• Save money, and reduce wear on your personal vehicle.
  • Use the Rideshare Savings Calculator to determine your current cost of commuting. See the American Automobile Association's (AAA) publication Your Driving Costs.
  • Visit the Federal Government's fuel cost calculator for savings estimates.
• Lower your stress.
  • Take the opportunity to read or relax, rather than driving through traffic jams or delays.
• Benefit from flexibility.
  • Carpooling certainly is not mandatory, even just participating once or twice a week will make a difference without the hassles of a long-term commitment or a binding contract.
• Start new personal and professional relationships.
  • You can organize your own carpool or vanpool, or have your local rideshare office match your group by computer.
• Reduce traffic congestion.
• Conserve energy.
• Live a longer, healthier life by enjoying cleaner air.
  • The more people who choose alternative transportation, the fewer emissions in the air we breathe.

The Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) offers a free carpool matching service.

Fuel Economy

EPA - A great resource for learning how to increase fuel economy, learning about hybrid technology, fuel economy ratings, and alternative fuel technologies.

Pedestrians

Trail Map - View the City's Trail Map

Walkable and Bikable Communities - Information on Regional Initiatives

Walkable Communities - Promoting walkable, pedestrian friendly towns and cities.

Metro Detroit Trails - Locate a trail in the Metro region

Oakland County Trails and Pathways - a joint effort between Oakland County Parks and Recreation and The Oakland Trails Advisory Council to expand and coordinate trail networks.

Cycling

m-bike.org - Promoting safe and convenient bicycling in Metro Detroit

Oakland County Bike Path Map - Prepared by SEMCOG

Oakland County Re-CYCLE for Kids - A sheriffs department initiative to collect bicycles and parts for kids

Helmet Safety Tips - from Oakland County Health Department

Public Transportation

Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) - Bus service for Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties.  See what services they offer in Birmingham.

Amtrak - Passenger Rail Service 1-800-872-7245

Detroit Region Aerotropolis- an emerging type of urban form comprised of aviation-intensive businesses and those businesses that need to be readily connected to their customers.

Transportation Riders United (TRU)  - a non-profit organization dedicated to improving transportation access and mobility in Greater Detroit.

Detroit Transit Options for Growth Study (DTOGS)-  will identify and evaluate rapid transit options to improve access and mobility in the Detroit area.