Kalamazoo's Public Transit Provides Freedom for Residents with Disabilities

Metro Connect and other services help those with mobility limitations access essential services and stay connected to their community.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:31am

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Public transit services like Metro Connect in Kalamazoo, Michigan, are a lifeline for residents with disabilities and mobility limitations, allowing them to maintain independence, access essential services, and stay engaged with their community. Riders like Tim Sloan and Sharon DeHaan rely on these services to get to support group meetings, volunteer work, and other activities that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Why it matters

Kalamazoo's public transit system plays a vital role in supporting the independence and quality of life for residents with disabilities who may not have other transportation options. These services help connect people to essential services, social activities, and their broader community, which is especially important for those with limited mobility or other challenges.

The details

Metro Connect is a door-to-door service operated by Kalamazoo Metro Transit that allows residents to schedule rides to anywhere in the county. It's a key resource for people like Tim Sloan, who has had multiple head injuries and relies on it to get to Brain Injury Association meetings, and Sharon DeHaan, a 78-year-old Kalamazoo resident who has struggled with polio and uses a scooter. Metro Transit also offers fixed-route buses, an on-demand service called Metro Link, and a program called Metro Share that provides nonprofits with vans to transport seniors and people with disabilities.

  • Tim Sloan has been a member of the local Brain Injury Association chapter since 2011, and has served as its president for the last three years.
  • Sharon DeHaan has been using public transit and services that preceded Metro Connect for more than 30 years.

The players

Tim Sloan

A 67-year-old Kalamazoo native who has had several incidents of head trauma and relies on Metro Connect to get to Brain Injury Association meetings and other destinations.

Sharon DeHaan

A 78-year-old Kalamazoo resident who has struggled with polio since a young age, uses a scooter, and has been using public transit for over 30 years to get to church, volunteer work, and Brain Injury Association meetings.

Kalamazoo Metro Transit

The public transit agency that operates Metro Connect, a door-to-door service, as well as fixed-route buses, an on-demand service called Metro Link, and a program called Metro Share that provides nonprofits with vans to transport seniors and people with disabilities.

Brain Injury Association of Michigan

A local chapter of a statewide organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for those affected by brain injury.

Disability Network of Southwest Michigan

The organization where the Brain Injury Association's meetings are held.

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What they’re saying

“If it wasn't for Metro Transit, I'd be stuck in my apartment building.”

— Tim Sloan

“I'm very thankful for it. Nothing's perfect. But, you know...”

— Sharon DeHaan

“Metro Connect provides the most flexible options for our riders. It's available for anyone to go anywhere in Kalamazoo County. The benefit of the service is that it can be pre-scheduled. So it's particularly helpful if you're a senior citizen, an individual with mobility limitations, or an individual with a disability. It gives you door-to-door options for getting anywhere in the county.”

— Sean McBride, Executive Director, Kalamazoo Metro Transit

What’s next

Kalamazoo Metro Transit plans to continue expanding and promoting its public transit services to ensure more residents with disabilities and mobility limitations can access the freedom and independence these services provide.

The takeaway

Kalamazoo's public transit system, with services like Metro Connect, is a vital lifeline for residents with disabilities, allowing them to maintain their independence, access essential services, and stay connected to their community. This highlights the importance of accessible and affordable transportation options for vulnerable populations.