In a YouTube video for SMART, County Executives Brooks Patterson and Mark Hackel promise to “revolutionize mass transit as we know it.”
SMART has now provided a little more information (pasted below):
SMART is proposing major changes along its busiest corridors.
Earlier teasers talked about frequent (every 15-30 minute) limited stop (every 1-2 miles) service on Woodward, Gratiot and Michigan, which it appears will replace Reflex. Here’s what they’ve said:
SMART criteria for service development:
- Frequent – Increase frequency so riders have freedom and flexibility of using the service, connecting to other routes…
- Affordable – Maintain rider fares, the existing millage rate… without additional funding
- Safe – Add shelter improvements, amenities and technology to improve safety and security
- Sustainable – participate in the development and growth of new technology and connect our enhanced services with all mobility options…
Proposed New Service
As part of our commitment to regional mobility, SMART is proposing a new, high frequency, limited stop service in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties for better access to jobs, school, medical facilities, higher education, and entertainment destinations.
- New regional service along Gratiot, Woodward, and Michigan Avenues
- High frequency service all day (15 to 30 minutes) …
- Limited stops (approximately every 1 to 2 miles) for quicker trips
- Ride the service 7 days per week …
- Happy New Year! Service targeted to begin Monday, January 1, 2018
Technology Improvements
SMART will invest in technology to improve the customer experience by:
- Providing onboard Wi-Fi service
- Equipping buses with the latest connected vehicle technology systems to communicate with other connected vehicles and intersections
While we haven’t seen it officially stated, it appears that they’re replacing Reflex with their own service. It’s unclear how much coordination there was with RTA or DDOT.
But this is the first SMART service expansion in nearly a decade, so it’s good to see that much!
Please try to make it out to the public meetings to learn more and push for more. Here’s what SMART says:
Public Workshops and Hearings Scheduled
Come and tell us your thoughts on the new proposed service
SMART has scheduled several public workshops and public hearings to give the public an opportunity to discuss and provide input on the proposed service. The following service adjustments are being considered:
Proposed Service Adjustments
- Enhanced service on Michigan Avenue, Woodward Avenue and Gratiot Avenue to operate Weekdays, Nights, Weekends
- Modification of 450/460 Woodward Local and 560 Gratiot Avenue Local
- 445 Maple & Telegraph Limited – Eliminate
- 465 Auburn Hills Limited – Eliminate service between Detroit and Troy
- 475 Troy Limited – Eliminate
- 565 Gratiot Limited – Eliminate
- 598 Reflex Gratiot – Eliminate
- 599 Reflex Gratiot – Midtown – Eliminate
- 851 Park and Ride – Enhanced service
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Workshops are meant to be an informal setting for discussion and to gain rider insight.
Monday, October 30, 2017 – 5:00 PM
Lafayette Market, 154 N. Saginaw St., Pontiac, MI 48342
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 – 5:00 PM
City of Wayne Council Chambers, 3355 South Wayne Road, Wayne, MI 48184
Thursday, November 2, 2017 – 11:30 AM
SMART Downtown Offices, 535 Griswold Street, Suite 600, Detroit, Michigan 48226
Thursday, November 2, 2017 – 4:00 PM
Eastpointe City Hall, 23200 Gratiot, Eastpointe, MI 48021
PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE
Wednesday, November 15, 2017 – 11:30 AM
SMART Downtown Offices, 535 Griswold, Suite 600, Detroit, MI 48226
Wednesday, November 15, 2017 – 5:00 PM
Oakland Community College – Southfield Campus, 22322 Rutland Drive, Southfield, MI 48075-4793
Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 5:00 PM
Mt. Clemens Public Library, 150 Cass Avenue, Mt. Clemens, Michigan 48043
Friday, November 17, 2017 – 5:00 PM
John Dingell Transit Center, 21201 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, Michigan 48124
Monday, November 20, 2017 – 5:00 PM
Ferndale City Council Chambers, 300 E. 9 Mile, Ferndale, Michigan 48220
CLICK HERE for a printed version of the schedule
Can’t make it to a meeting ? Your comments will also be accepted through November 20, 2017 using any of the following methods:
- Hearing Impaired by telephone via Michigan Relay: 711/866-962-5515 option 2.
- Via mail addressed to “Public Hearing”, SMART Administrative Offices, 535 Griswold Street, Suite 600, Detroit, MI 48226.
- Email: PublicHearing@smartbus.org.
Additional information will be posted on SMART’s website www.smartbus.org or you may call SMART Fixed Route and General Information at (866) 962-5515.
