SUBJECT:  Ecorse Receives Two New SMART Vehicles

On Tuesday, February 26, 2008, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the dedication of two new lift-equipped vans that have been provided by SMART to the City of Ecorse.

Officials from SMART, the City of Ecorse and other local elected officials were on hand at the dedication.

“The Community Partnership Program helps SMART return local tax dollars back to the community for essential transit services” stated Hayes W. Jones, SMART General Manager. “The City of Ecorse’s transit program supplements the service that SMART provides by giving the residents more transit choices.”

SMART’s Community Partnership Program (CPP) was started in 1997 as a way to encourage more transit options for local residents. The City of Ecorse is one of 75 different communities who partner with SMART to develop their unique transportation programs.

“Everybody likes something new,” said Ecorse Mayor Herbert Worthy. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be here to accept these vehicles. Our senior citizens will be pleased.”

Ecorse is acquiring the vehicles for a fraction of their cost.  The CPP program enables communities, using a portion of their SMART Community Credit allocation, to pay 20 percent of the cost of a new vehicle.  SMART, using its federal grant dollars pays for the other 80 percent.  In effect, this unique program enables SMART to return additional federal dollars directly to the residents of the partners for transportation services designed and operated by local authorities.

SMART is the regional transit system in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties and services more than 1200 square miles. Recognized nationally as an innovator in community based service for its unique partnerships with 75 communities, SMART is posting record ridership with more than 12 million passengers using the service annually. For more information, go to www.smartbus.org or call Customer Information at 866-962-5515. 

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