WOTA: Data Shows Impact of Public Transit in Western Oakland County
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 6, 2025)
Oakland County, MI – The growth of Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA) in the past couple of years isn’t just a point of pride for Kim Viener, it’s a measure of how many people can be helped when the community comes together to support a crucial service.
Viener has been the Executive Director of WOTA since its inception. WOTA began in 2020 with less than 30 employees and just 11 vehicles, which serviced four communities with scheduled rides for seniors and those with disabilities.
After making it through the pandemic, WOTA saw increased requests for rides, other populations of residents seeking transit options, and the need for service in neighboring communities as well.
The opportunity to help more people with transportation needs came in the fall of 2020 when voters across Oakland County approved a transit millage.
“WOTA began because our initial communities understood the value of efficient, robust transportation for their elderly and disabled residents. The Oakland County Transit Millage allowed us to fulfill our vision of expanding service hours, days and serving more communities. This enabled us to round out our services to truly meet the needs of the area.” Viener said.
Now WOTA serves riders aged 18 and older in a dozen municipalities: Groveland Township, Highland Township, Holly Township, Rose Township, Waterford Township, White Lake Township, Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Village of Holly, and Walled Lake.
They’ve expanded service to seven days a week. And thanks to a partnership with Oakland County, they provide free rides to Veterans. The expansion also means more connectivity to other transit providers like NOTA, OPC, PEX and SMART so riders can travel throughout Oakland County and beyond.
“WOTA provides opportunities for anyone 18 or older to live an independent life, providing rides for employment, medical, recreation or anywhere you want to go; transportation doesn’t need to be the barrier” Viener said.
Office staff fields over 300 calls per day, and in 2024 there were 79,685 rides provided, an increase of 60% from 2023.
WOTA now has 88 full- and part-time employees, with even more job opportunities available.
“WOTA’s growth has been unprecedented; we knew the need was there but prior to the millage the funding was not. The expansion has enabled us to hire more staff, and we have been fortunate to attract the very best people to drive and dispatch for the organization. Our employees are mission focused. Employing people of all ages and backgrounds helps to create empathy and compassion as well as efficiency and creative thinking. But we are not done. WOTA is currently seeking more drivers to help us provide even more rides.”
To develop drivers and dispatchers while building a compassionate culture, WOTA created an in-house training program that not only teaches new employees, but twice a year provides company-wide training and updates.
While increased numbers and demonstrated efficiency are measures of success, the real value comes from the ways transit can change people’s lives.
Theresa Rodgerson is a Holly resident who is unable to drive. “You are bringing hope and life to many of us who were desperate and about to give up on life,” she said. “Our isolation, powerlessness, and segregation from the rest of the world had become overwhelming for some of us. There are several of us who are overwhelmed about the miracle of WOTA service to Holly. It just does not seem real! It is hard to believe we can independently go shopping, to the doctor, swimming, to parks, to the library, to a movie, out to eat. I rarely cry but this miracle brings tears to my eyes.”
Viener and her team see similar stories on a daily basis. “Transportation changes lives and is something we tend to take for granted. In the last year, we had a rider in her late 30’s who suffered a major health crisis. She was unable to drive for 6 months but because of WOTA, she was able to continue her very active life. Incidentally, her first driver happened to be her elementary school Sunday school teacher. Imagine her surprise!”
Residents interested in learning more or signing up for WOTA services can find more information on www.ridewota.org.
