SMART Seeking Input on Long-Term Changes

While SMART makes tweaks to its schedules and routing several times a year, it is quite rare for SMART to plan big long-term changes especially designed to improve and expand bus service. But that’s just what they’re doing now with SMART Path.

SMART is rolling out a new proposed long-term plan for bus service.

Built off 18 months of input from consultants and riders, it includes:

  • Extending routes to serve more destinations, like Beaumont Hospital in Troy
  • Modifying routes to be simpler, more direct, and more symmetrical
  • Adjusting schedules to improve reliability
  • Piloting “microtransit” app-enabled on-demand shuttle services

Still a draft, SMART wants your input!

You can email riderfeedback@smartbus.org or come to any one of their open house events (stop by anytime) across the region:

Lincoln Park Public Library – 1381 Southfield Rd
Monday, October 28th, 4 pm – 7 pm
 
SMART Offices (Buhl Building) – 535 Griswold, Suite 600, Detroit
Tuesday, October 29th, 11 am – 2 pm

Eastpointe City Hall – 23200 Gratiot Ave, Eastpointe
Tuesday, October 29th, 4 pm – 7 pm
 
Flagstar Strand Theatre – 12 N Saginaw St, Pontiac
Wednesday, October 30th, 4 pm – 7 pm
 
OCC Southfield Campus – 22322 Rutland Dr
Monday, November 4th, 4 pm – 7 pm

Owen-Jax Recreation Center – 8207 E 9 Mile Rd, Warren
Wednesday, November 6th, 4 pm – 7 pm

John Dingell Transit Center – 21201 Michigan Ave, Dearborn
Thursday, November 7th, 4 pm – 7 pm

Note – this is different from the RTA’s Regional Transit Plan that is under development – a 20 year plan incorporating all of the four-county region.

This SMART proposal deals exclusively with their opt-in service area and plans out 5 years. Many of these proposals, especially in phase 2 and 3, don’t have a funding source identified.