Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA)
The Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA) is the owner of the M/V Emerald Isle. The vessel is operated by the Beaver Island Boat Company (BIBCO) and is a “scheduled fixed route ferry service” providing transportation to and from Charlevoix, Michigan to Beaver Island, Michigan. The M/V Beaver Islander is owned by BIBCO and is also used for the scheduled fixed route service.
BITA was formed in 1993 pursuant of Public Act 196 to form a transit system in the greater Beaver Island area. Through federal, state, and local funding the M/V Emerald Isle was designed and launched in 1997. In 1993 BITA and BIBCO signed a thirty year management agreement to operate the ferry service.
ISLAND TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE
BITA is preparing a long-range plan to guide the authority’s operations and ferry services between Beaver Island and the mainland. A public meeting facilitated by the project consultant – Mp2planning - was held on June 24. A second meeting was held on August 30.
To listen to a recording of the June 24th meeting, click here. Use Passcode: zqT#a9=U
To listen to a recording of the August 30th meeting, click here. No Passcode is necessary
For questions or a copy of the presentation used at the meeting, contact Mary Cook, Executive Director, at the BITA offices (231-448-3049).
The BITA Board is comprised of five members appointed by St. James Township. The board meets monthly on the second Tuesday,12 noon, at the BITA building. Financial assistance is received annually through the Michigan Department of Transportation Act 51. BIBCO retains all revenues and pays BITA the local match of fifty percent for operating assistance and ten percent for capital grants.
BEAVER ISLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (BITA)
Beaver Island Transportation Authority Request For Proposal
Consulting Firm to Review and Update Transportation Plan