Nearly 50 Years of Moving Westland Forward

The History of Nankin Transit Commission

For generations, Nankin Transit Commission has helped Westland residents remain mobile, independent, and connected to their community.

What began as a local response to an essential need has grown into one of western Wayne County’s most enduring transportation partnerships. Today, Nankin Transit continues its original mission: providing dependable, accessible transportation for seniors and people with disabilities.

A Community Service Is Born

Nankin Transit Commission began serving the region in 1976. Its purpose was simple but powerful—to provide transportation for senior citizens and people with disabilities who might otherwise have to depend on family, friends, or neighbors for every trip.

Passengers could reserve a ride, be picked up near their homes, travel to their destinations, and return safely. That service offered something even more valuable than transportation: independence.

From its earliest years, Westland played a central role in the organization’s story. Historical reporting indicates that Nankin Transit began operating from approximately 600 square feet inside Westland’s Department of Public Service building before expanding as demand grew. Observer & Eccentric archive

Growing Alongside Westland

As Westland and its neighboring communities developed, Nankin Transit grew with them. A larger fleet, additional riders, and more complex transportation needs required the organization to expand its facilities and operations.

By 1986, the Commission was preparing to return to a substantially larger space in Westland’s Department of Public Service building. The move reflected how far the service had come—from a small local program to an important regional transportation resource.

Throughout changes in funding, ridership, facilities, and participating communities, Nankin Transit remained focused on the people who depended on it.

A Partnership With Lasting Impact

Nankin Transit’s history is also a story of communities working together.

By its 30th anniversary in 2006, the Commission had reportedly provided approximately 2.8 million rides. It had also become part of SMART’s Community Partnership Program and was recognized as an influential model for community-based transportation. Observer & Eccentric, May 18, 2006

That milestone represented millions of individual connections—to healthcare appointments, grocery stores, community programs, workplaces, family members, and friends.

Every ride helped someone participate more fully in daily life.

Serving Today’s Westland Residents

Nankin Transit currently provides curb-to-curb transportation for eligible seniors and people with disabilities living in Westland, Wayne, Inkster, Garden City, and Canton Township.

The regional partnership allows neighboring communities to share resources while delivering transportation designed around local residents. Westland continues to participate directly in the Commission’s governance through representatives appointed by the City Council. City of Westland

For passengers who cannot drive or comfortably use conventional transportation, curb-to-curb service can make essential travel safer and more manageable.

More Than Transportation

The true history of Nankin Transit is written in the lives of its passengers.

It is found in the medical appointments people were able to keep, the groceries they could purchase, the community activities they could attend, and the personal relationships they could maintain.

For families and caregivers, the service has provided another dependable transportation option. For riders, it has offered greater freedom, dignity, and independence.

Rooted in Westland. Dedicated to the Future.

Nearly five decades after its founding, Nankin Transit remains committed to the principle that mobility should not be limited by age or disability.

Its history demonstrates what can happen when communities recognize a shared need and work together to meet it. As Westland continues to grow and change, Nankin Transit is proud to carry that tradition forward—one passenger and one journey at a time.

Learn More or Schedule a Ride

Discover how Nankin Transit can help you or someone you care for stay connected and independent.

Call: 734-729-2710
Visit: NankinTransit.com
Service area: Westland, Wayne, Inkster, Garden City, and Canton Township