Michigan's Public Transit Self-Insurance Pool
2120 University Park Dr. | Okemos | Michigan | 48864 | 800.968.3767
Happy 35th Anniversary to the Michigan Transit Pool!
We are very proud to announce our 35th Anniversary as Michigan's own public transportation self-insurance pool!
Public transportation is a vital lifeline for our communities. Anyone can ride for a small fare along the route connecting them to their friends and family, employer, shopping and all manners of community events and services.
Our story began on 12.1.1987, the Pool was formed with the goal of bringing a lower cost of insurance and more control into the hands of the public transit agencies and systems. Many of our members have been with us since inception. There have been many changes and faces over the last 35 years, but we're most proud of our consistency. Consistency to offer the best options. Consistency to be proactive to changing environments and circumstances. Consistency to deliver stellar risk management and loss control strategies to support our members. Consistency in top notch claims administration.
On our 35th, we are committed to continuing the path set forth by the founding members in excellence, adaptability, member resources, and growth.
A few interesting facts about public transportation according to APTA's 2021 Public Transportation Fact Book:
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Millennials consider public transportation as the best option for digital socializing and among the best for connecting with communities.
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Home values were up to 24% higher near public transportation than in other areas.
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Traveling by public transportation is 10 times safer per mile than traveling by automobile.
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Communities that invest in public transit reduce the nation's carbon emissions by 63 million metric tons annually.
These facts and more can be found on the APTA.com website here. APTA is the acronym for American Public Transportation Association.
WHO WE ARE:
We are a member-driven, self-insured pool of Michigan public transit agencies that provides stable, cost-effective, and shared-risk insurance. The MTP is focused on preventing losses and claims by supporting its member agencies with best practices, safety, training, and risk and claims management assistance.
GOVERNANCE:
Michigan Transit Pool (MTP) is self-insured pool of 33 Michigan public transit agencies that provides stable, cost-effective and shared-risk insurance. MTP's focus is on safety, training and risk management to help members prevent or reduce loss and claims.
MTP is governed by an Executive Committee comprised of representatives from member agencies elected by the membership and is managed The ASU Group, a full service claims management and insurance services company that assists members with claims management. MTP’s Finance and Risk Management subcommittees also assist by providing direction, guidelines and internal controls.
The Executive Committee meets bi-monthly at ASU’s offices located in Okemos, Michigan.
MTP Provides Coverage for Your Transit System
MTP operates two separate trust funds for the benefit of its members. These are the Liability Trust Fund, and the Direct Property Damage Trust Fund. MTP stands behind its members in the event of claims or lawsuits filed against members. As an MTP member, you have direct input into how claims or lawsuits are managed to give you greater control of the outcome.
OUR MEMBERS
There are many benefits and advantages of being a member of the MTP! Perhaps the biggest benefits are the flexible coverage, broader coverage, potential premium refunds and significant cost savings when compared with open insurance market rates. There are no agent commissions or company profits.
MTP’s deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of transit systems allow it to provide industry-specific guidance and resources aimed at improving safety and preventing or reducing risks and claims.
Membership Benefits & Advantages
Broader Coverage – MTP as a whole determines level of coverage
Flexibility – MTP can change coverage as needed to meet the Pool's unique needs
Retrospective Adjustments - Based on the combined Pool and individual member's claim activity each year, there is potential for premium refunds of unallocated dollars
Cost Savings – Costs are significantly lower than commercial market rates
Stability – Cost are more stable than the cyclic nature of the commercial insurance market
Loss Control – MTP provides guidelines, policies and training materials that help members reduce risks and losses and improve safety and efficiency
Support Resources – MTP offers a plethora of resources for members that include best practices, policies and procedures, training materials, audits and assessments and other tools and services that help transit agencies promote safety and efficiencies to prevent or reduce losses and claims.
Newsletter – MTP’s semi-annual newsletter, MIPoolNews, keeps members informed of new and features articles on best practices, trends and safety tips that members can put to use.
Membership Inquiry:
Any Michigan public transportation system or entity whose main function is public transportation is eligible to apply for membership. The annual enrollment deadline is December 1, which is the beginning of the new policy year. New members are accepted with approval by the MTP Executive Committee.
Applications are usually processed and approved within 60 days, provided there are no unusual or special circumstances to be considered. Transit agencies interested in joining MTP may contact the ASU Group to request a quote and application. Start the process no later than October 1st for the December 1st deadline.
Join MTP’s 33 members in enjoying the advantages and benefits of being a transit pool member.
Since it's inception in 1987, the Michigan Transit Pool has grown and become an integral part of many successful transit companies. it is our privilege to serve our members and honor them here:
Alger County Transit Authority
Antrim County Transportation
Bay Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Berrien County Public Transportation Corp.
Blue Water Area Transporation Commission
Branch Area Transit Authority
Cadillac / Wexford Transit Authority
Caro Transit Authority
Cass County Public Transportation Auth.
City of Hillsdale Dial-A-Ride
Clare County Transit Corporation
Clinton Area Transit System
Delta Area Transit Authority
Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Auth.
Eaton County Transportation Authority
Gladwin City/County Transit
Gogebic County Transit Authority
Greater Lapeer Transportation Authority
Huron Transit Corporation
Interurban Transit Authority
Jackson Area Transportation Authority
Ludington Mass Transportation Authority
Macatawa Area Express Transportation Auth.
Marquette County Transit Authority
Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority
Muskegon Area Transit System
Sanilac Transportation Corporation
Shiawassee Area Transportation Agency
St. Joseph County Transportation Authority
SMART Fixed Route
SMART Connector
Thunder Bay Transportation Authority
Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority
Yates Township Dial-A-Ride
have you heard?
D. McElroy, G. Griffin Presentation of State of Michigan Tribute for 35 Years in Business
Vendor Reception
J. DeKoning, G. Griffin, B. Rhoades presenting an honor from AGRiP for Transit RE achieving advisory member status. MTP is a partner with TRL.
Executive Committee Meetings
March 20, 2024
May 14 - 15, 2024 Annual Meeting (Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire, Michigan)
Cybersecurity Awareness for Transit Agencies Links and Resources available to members
Please check the Member Only Resources section of this website for excellent webinars, links, resources and a webinar recording. "FTA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) hosted a webinar on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 in acknowledgement of October's Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This webinar focused on FTA and CISA cybersecurity resources available to transit agencies, and provided information on cyber hygiene, ransomware guidance and support to transit agencies through CISA."
Did you know?
In 1661, mathematician Blaise Pascal conceived the world's first bus service, proposing that a number of coaches should "circulate along predetermined routes in Paris at regular intervals regardless of the number of people," and pick up passengers for a small fixed fare. The word bus is short for omnibus, which means "for everyone." Bus was first introduced in this sense in the 1830s, its "everyone" meaning referencing the fact that anyone could join the coach along its route, unlike with stagecoaches, which had to be pre-booked.
MTP Executive Committee
Committee Members are elected by the full board to three year terms and meet bi-monthly virtually and in-person. The Pool also has subcommittees for Finance and Risk Management.
OFFICERS:
Dave McElroy, President
Larry Alpert, Vice-President
Jim Oliver - Treasurer
Kelly Bales - Secretary
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Tom Pirnstill
Karen Mendham
Ken Jimkoski
Mike Brown
Carrie Thompson
Joe DeKoning, Transit Re Liaison
Partners, Vendors and Affiliations:
ASU Team Serving the MTP:
Glen Griffin, Executive Director
Kimberlee Hanes, Claims Examiner
Adam Wilberding, Safety and Loss Control
Kristine Schreiber, Policy Administration
GET IN TOUCH
We can't wait to hear from you!