Berrien County Leaders Discuss Regional Transit System

Chamber of Commerce partners with transit committee to encourage local governments to establish a regional authority.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is urging local governments in Berrien County, Michigan to consider forming a regional transit system. The chamber partnered with the Berrien County transit committee to host a meeting of the county's Chief Elected Officials Council, where over 70 officials, major employers, and social service representatives discussed the potential for a regional authority. This comes as funding for the current Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority (TCATA) is set to expire in October, leaving 150,000 rides at risk of disappearing.

Why it matters

The formation of a regional transit authority is seen as a solution to overcome the current fragmented system in Berrien County. It would ensure continued service for riders who rely on the TCATA's Dial-a-Ride program in Benton Harbor, which is facing the loss of state funding support.

The details

The chamber president, Arthur Havlicek, said the meeting included representatives from all of Berrien County's municipalities, as well as major employers and social service organizations. The goal is for local governments to start officially taking positions on establishing a regional transit authority before the TCATA's funding expires in October. An effort is also underway to place a renewal of the TCATA's millage on the ballot this year, though it's unclear what would happen to that millage if the Dial-a-Ride service ceases to exist.

  • The TCATA's state funding support is set to end in October 2026.
  • The TCATA Board was told last week that an effort is starting to place a renewal of the authority's millage on the ballot this year.

The players

Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber

A business organization that is encouraging local governments in Berrien County to consider forming a regional transit system.

BCAT

Berrien County's transit committee, which partnered with the chamber to host the meeting of local officials.

Arthur Havlicek

The president of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.

Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority (TCATA)

The current transit system in Berrien County that provides Dial-a-Ride service in Benton Harbor, but is facing the loss of state funding support.

Michigan Department of Transportation

The state agency that notified Berrien County that support for the TCATA will end due to increasing costs.

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What they’re saying

“All of Berrien County was represented in the meeting, and the conversation about regional authorities is going to pretty much affect everyone.”

— Arthur Havlicek, President, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber (moodyonthemarket.com)

“We're encouraging them to do so, the chamber is, not only because there are 150,000 rides that would essentially disappear overnight, but because we think that it's a great solution to overcome the current fragmented system that we have.”

— Arthur Havlicek, President, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber (moodyonthemarket.com)

What’s next

The next step is for local governments to begin officially taking a position on the issue of establishing a regional transit authority.

The takeaway

The potential formation of a regional transit system in Berrien County is a critical issue that could ensure continued transportation services for thousands of residents who rely on the current fragmented system. Local leaders are being urged to work together to find a solution before the existing funding expires, demonstrating the importance of regional cooperation on infrastructure challenges.