Just when you thought Detroit area bus service could not get worse, adding to the problems of DDOT’s horrendous service,
With the proposed cuts SMART will:
- Eliminate 15 routes,
- Dramatically slash service within Detroit,
- Eliminate several Connector Services, and
- Less weekend service.
Despite major budget woes, SMART has avoided cutting service for several years. Instead they raised fares, made major cuts in administration and marketing, and trimmed non-union pay and benefits, saving $11 million annually. Yet due to a 25% drop in property tax revenue, decreasing state revenue, and shrinking federal revenue, combined with increasing costs for fuel and healthcare. Contentious negotiations with unions have failed to produce an agreement; instead 123 employees will be fired.
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Come to the public hearings to have your say!!
- Thursday, November 3, 4-7pm at the Dearborn Community Arts Center (15801 Michigan Ave)
- Monday, November 7, 4-7pm at the Pleasant Ridge Community Center (4 Ridge Road)
- Wednesday, November 9, 4-7pm at the Roseville Council Chambers (29777 Gratiot)
- Or email [email protected] with your comments.
Also help spread the word! Print and hand out copies of our duel DDOT and SMART Action Alert, or stop by our office to pick up copies.
The fact that neither DDOT nor SMART can provide the bus service people desperately needs demonstrates stronger than ever that this region needs a Regional Transit Authority and a dedicated transit tax! As the Detroit Free Press editorializes:
"This is a chance for southeast Michigan leaders, including business and labor, to work through their differences and start building a regional transit system, governed by a Regional Transit Authority and funded by a regional transit tax.
Tough? No doubt. But you can best believe it would happen soon if the people who run this region had to ride a bus to work."