How do I Ride a Bus in Greater Detroit?
As Detroit’s transit advocate, TRU works to improve and promote public transit through greater Detroit. Here’s what you need to know to ride the bus.
1) Figure out what route will take you to your destination.
Visit www.Google.com/transit – Enter your starting and ending locations and when you need to depart or arrive, and it will map out a variety of route and schedule options.
Or try the Transit App, which can show you transit (and bike and scooter) routes near your current location, can provide you transit directions based on the starting and ending locations you enter, and can even walk you through your entire trip, step by step.
For routes within Detroit, use DDOT (the Detroit Department of Transportation)
- Visit www.DetroitMi.gov/DDOT or www.ddot.info for system info, routes, and schedules.
- Call 313-933-1300 for more info
For suburb-to-suburb or suburb-to-city routes, use SMART:
- Visit www.SMARTbus.org for route maps and schedules.
- You can also call SMART toll-free at 866-962-5515 during regular business hours.
- SMART bus maps may be picked up at their office in the lobby of the Buhl Building (535 Griswold in downtown Detroit).
2) Go to the bus stop along your route.
- Most DDOT buses pick up at any marked bus stop.
- For FAST and other SMART express buses, make sure the schedule lists that stop.
- If you need to drive to a bus stop (for example if you live outside of the SMART service area), parking is often available at mall stops and designated Park & Ride lots.
- Arrive 3-5 minutes prior to the scheduled bus arrival.
- You can also use the Transit App or SMART’s own App to check the real-time location of your bus, but note that these are not always accurate, as both transit systems are upgrading their tracking technology.
3) To board the bus:
- Identify the bus you want – the bus route number and name is displayed above the windshield.
- DDOT buses are generally green and white and use two-digit route numbers.
- SMART buses are often white with red and orange and use three-digit route numbers.
- You can wave at the bus (like hailing a taxi) to ensure the driver sees you.
- As you step onto the bus, you can ask the bus driver to confirm that they are going to your destination, if you’re unclear.
- One-way adult fare is $2.00.
- Pay the fare with exact change, larger bills, DART passes or via the Token Transit App. The fare box accepts bills and coins like a vending machine.
- If you paid with cash, you’ll get a fare card you can use for four hours of unlimited rides.
4) Take a seat and enjoy your ride.
- Note the front seats are for seniors, people with disabilities or parents with infant children.
- You can use your ride to read, do work, listen to music or podcasts with headphones, talk to people around you, or just relax and watch your surroundings.
- Many buses are equipped with WiFi.
5) To depart the bus:
- Signal for your stop when approximately one block away. Pull the cord along the windows so that the bell rings and the “stop requested” sign lights up.
- You can ask the driver to point out where to catch the return bus.
- Exit out the rear door so you don’t interfere with boarding passengers.
Also:
- If you ride regularly, buy monthly or prepaid passes – they can save money and are easier to carry. See SMART passes & DDOT passes.
- SMART bus has put together a helpful page of how to info as well.
- If you have any concerns, notice any problems, or have any ideas or suggestions, call SMART (866-962-5515) or DDOT (313-933-1300) to comment or complain. Comments from bus riders help management correct problems and improve service.