WOTA Successes Show Ongoing Need for Transit in Western Oakland County
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 26, 2026)
Oakland County, MI – 101,500 rides. That’s the statistic being celebrated by the folks at Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA) for 2025, which is a 27% increase over 2024.
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 2022 when voters approved a millage to support and expand transit across Oakland County.
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.
According to WOTA Deputy Director Amy Grzymkowski, the organization hired over 20 new drivers, and the fleet expanded.
“The demand is still increasing. 2025 was the first year we began taking general public (anyone over 18) and they make up 12% of our rides,” Grzymkowski said. People are scheduling rides for a variety of purposes. 37% of rides are for work, 30% are for medical, and the remaining are other trips like grocery shopping, leisure, DHS, and education.
Highland Township Supervisor Rick Hamill is one of several local officials who serve on the WOTA Board. “WOTA started as a way to help seniors and adults with disabilities go to medical or work, but it has become a lifeline for our entire community,” he said. “With the expansion of 7 days a week and opening to anyone 18 and older, WOTA is helping residents get to work, live healthier lifestyles, and stay connected. The impact goes far beyond economics—it’s about people.”
Currently there are over 80 drivers, but WOTA is looking for more. They are currently looking for more part-time drivers, a dispatcher, and a receptionist.
“All WOTA employees must have a strong customer service ethic, focus on safety, and motivation that goes beyond a job description—people who care about people,” Grzymkowski said. “Working for WOTA means making a positive difference every single day. WOTA staff help riders maintain their livelihoods, build or preserve independence, and stay connected to their communities across generations. Whether you’re behind the wheel, in dispatch, or keeping vehicles running, WOTA gives employees the chance to truly be the best part of someone’s day.”
Learn more about WOTA, visit https://www.ridewota.org
