SMART Pledges continued cooperation with ddot

July 5, 2005 (Detroit) – SMART is disappointed to learn of the Michigan Court of Appeals decision declaring DARTA (Detroit Area Regional Transportation Authority) agreement unconstitutional.  Formed in 2003, DARTA was created to be the regional transit authority developing a comprehensive and coordinated system in Southeast Michigan.
While legal challenges had slowed the transit development plans by DARTA it did not stop all efforts.  Over the past two years SMART and DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation) have fostered a cooperative relationship.  The Maintenance Department and Planning and Scheduling Departments at both authorities meet and talk on a regular basis and an open line of communication at the management level has been established.
The momentum created by DARTA will continue. “SMART pledges to continue working with DDOT in coordinating services, routes and scheduling as it benefits both systems.” stated Dan Dirks, SMART General Manager.
SMART and DDOT have been working together to coordinate various areas of their services. 

·        On a regular basis the staffs of the Service Planning department meet to discuss what improvement can be made. 

·        With the help of SEMCOG, a regional route map is being finalized.

·        A task force with participants from MDOT, SMART, DDOT and SEMCOG address transit issues relating to road construction projects and the role transit plays. 

·        Both systems have management personnel actively participating on the Super Bowl Transportation Committee to develop a joint transit plan.

Currently, SMART is posting its best ridership since 1983.  Average weekday ridership is reaching 40,000 a day; a 25 percent increase since 2001.
SMART is the suburban transit system for Southeast Michigan providing more than 900 trips daily from the suburbs to downtown Detroit. SMART customers include commuters, entry level workers, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

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