It is essential to give back to the communities in which we live. The best way to do this is by offering assistance to vulnerable people, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with meager incomes. Providing support to the most vulnerable people in our communities makes their life better off to a great extent. Many organizations give back to society in their unique ways. The North Oakland Transportation Authority also referred to as NOTA, is an example of such organizations. For several years North Oakland Transportation Authority has offered invaluable assistance to the townships of Orion, Addison, and Oxford and the villages of Leonard, Oxford, and Lake Orion.

Founded in 2001, the North Oakland Transportation Authority is a transportation service that caters to residents who are either seniors, disabled, or have a low income. North Oakland Transportation Authority serves the townships of Orion, Addison and Oxford and the villages of Leonard, Oxford, and Lake Orion. Some of North Oakland Transportation Authority’s services include rides for work, grocery shopping, medical appointments, and community events. The services are available from Monday through Thursday from 6 am to 6 pm, with work rides going until 9 pm. On Saturday, the rides operate from 8 am to 4 pm and are limited to Orion, Addison, and Oxford. Sunday has the lowest service hours with rides operating from 8 am to 2 pm in Orion, Addison, and Oxford.

Traditionally, nearly half of North Oakland Transportation Authority’s funds have been from federal and state grants, with the remaining half coming from local contributions by Training and Treatment innovations, participating governments, donations, fares, and other miscellaneous services. In 2014, federal and state grants started to be channeled to different transportation needs. For several years, NOTA had competed for these grants, and there was a growing need to create alternate revenue streams. After losing the grants that used to support the system, North Oakland Transportation Authority sought a quarter millage to raise $425,000 on August 5, 2014. NOTA had offered 37,000 rides in 2013 and had a budget of $900,000. The aim of this move was not to expand operations but to maintain the level of service. The millage would bring in about $100,000 per year to replace old vehicles. At the time, NOTA had 18 cars, of which 15 had wheelchair shafts, 30 part-time drivers, and three dispatchers, and had just relocated their offices from Oxford to Lake Orion School garage following a partnership with the district. The residents of Oxford and Orion voted in favor of the millage request for the renewal of NOTA. In Oxford Township, 3369 of the 4541 residents who cast ballots voted in favor of the millage renewal. In Orion Township, the millage received 6386 votes from the 9271 ballots cast. In Addison Township,1132 of the 1634 residents who cast ballots voted in favor of the millage renewal.

The millage allowed North Oakland Transportation Authority to fund capital and operating expenses for transportation services for low income or disabled residents and seniors. The proposal allowed the authorization to obtain about $402,818 in revenue in the first year in Orion Township. Some of the funds were allocated to the Village of Lake Orion Development Authority. In Oxford Township, the proposal allowed the authorization to obtain about $207,690 in revenue in the first year. Some of the funds were allocated to the Village of Oxford Downtown Development Authority.