Named Finalist in the 2025 PRNEWS Platinum Award for Legislative and Regulatory Relations
St. JOHNS, MI: Clinton Transit is being recognized on the national stage for excellence in public engagement and accountability, named a Finalist in the Legislative and Regulatory Relations category of the 2025 PRNEWS Platinum Awards. The honor acknowledges the agency’s voter education campaign supporting the continuation of the county’s transportation millage, which passed in 2024.
Amid growing challenges in public transportation and increasing demands for transparency, Clinton Transit’s campaign focused on community-centered outreach, clear messaging, and education to help voters understand how millage funding sustains essential mobility services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and residents without access to a personal vehicle.
“Being named a finalist for this national award reflects the trust and partnership we’ve built with the community,” said MaLissa Schutt, Executive Director of Clinton Transit. “Our millage renewal wasn’t just about maintaining service—it was about demonstrating fiscal responsibility, transparency, and our ongoing commitment to connecting people to opportunity.”
Delivering on Commitments Since the Millage Renewal
Since voters approved the millage renewal in 2024, Clinton Transit has delivered measurable results and expanded mobility across Clinton County and beyond:
- Community Connections Program: Continued to reduce transportation barriers beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), helping veterans, seniors, and persons with disabilities access critical services.
- Regional Collaboration: In partnership with the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) and Eaton County Transit (EATRAN), Clinton Transit helped launch trailblazing regional collaborations that now offer seamless, “one-seat rides” across the tri-county area.
- Emergency Support: Provided critical backup communications for the Emergency Operations Center dispatch, ensuring community resilience during emergencies.
- Future Planning: Completed a yearlong Transportation Development Plan (TDP)—a roadmap to guide the agency’s future investments and innovation in public mobility.
A Trusted, Fiscally Responsible Community Partner
Clinton Transit continues to demonstrate strong fiscal stewardship and deep community trust—balancing innovation with accountability. Its focus on efficiency, accessibility, and local partnerships ensures that every public dollar advances equitable, reliable mobility for Clinton County residents.
“Our success is rooted in collaboration and responsiveness,” added Schutt. “By listening to our community and partnering regionally, we’re ensuring that Clinton County’s transportation system remains locally accountable, fiscally sound, and focused on what matters most—people.”
About Clinton Transit
Clinton Transit’s curb-to-curb service ensures residents stay connected—no matter their challenges, disabilities, or circumstances. Committed to providing safe and accessible transportation for all of Clinton County, the “Blue Bus” operates as a demand response system, running only when a ride is requested. Learn more at mybluebus.com.
