SMART FACTS
History
Michigan Public Act 204 was created in 1967. Under the Act, SEMTA (Southeastern Michigan Transportation Authority) was responsible for public transportation services and facilities for the Southeastern Michigan region. In 1989, Public Act 204 was amended and SEMTA was renamed SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation).
Types of Service
Fixed Route Service
SMART fixed route buses pick up and drop off at designated bus stops. This service runs on a regular schedule. Fixed route services include crosstown routes, major corridor routes, limited stop routes and express routes.
Connector
SMART Connector is a curb-to-curb small bus service used to travel within a designated service area serving people with disabilities and senior citizens.
· Advanced Reservation- General rides for shopping, school or work can be made one to two days in advance. Medical trip reservations may be made up to six days in advance.
· Job Express- Within designated Job Express zones, this service provides transportation from fixed routes to nearby work sites.
· Flexible Route Service- Within Flex Route service area this service combines fixed route with curb to curb service for transportation to any location within the designated area.
· Dial-A-Ride- This is a same day, curb-to-curb service allows for travel anywhere within the designated service area.
· Community Transit- A true “grass roots” program, the SMART Community Partnership Program was established after the success of the 1995 millage. By taking comments and suggestions from each of the voting communities, the SMART team helped to develop Community Based Service Plans (CBSP) with many Macomb, Oakland and Wayne county communities. This program allowed local communities or groups to become partners with SMART and to share the responsibility of operating efficient transportation based on a community’s specific needs. Every participating community offers a unique service.
Facts and Figures
The SMART fleet consists of low-floor 29’, 35’ and 40’ Gillig Transit buses and 21’ and 24’ small buses. All of our buses are wheelchair accessible, clean, air-conditioned and are outfitted with the latest technology.
Nearly 13 million people of all ages and incomes ride SMART buses annually. Whether commuting to work, shopping, getting to the doctor’s office or to recreational events, SMART buses will take you there.
Stops and Routes
54 Bus Routes
6,000 Bus Stops
200 Shelters
Ridership
Average weekday (fixed route and Connector) 44,000
Average length of ride on Connector 6 Miles
Average length of ride on fixed route service 9 Miles
Demographics
· People of all ages and income use SMART for both commuting to work and recreational activities.
· Over 34 percent have been a SMART rider for 5 years or longer.
· Almost 70 percent of our riders use SMART to get to or from work, and an additional 20 percent to educational facilities.
Source: 2008 SMART Rider Survey
Fleet
Vehicle Type No. of Vehicles
Fixed Route 284
Paratransit
SMART Connector 110
Community Transit Providers* 182
Purchase of Service* 64
TOTAL 640
*Vehicles owned by SMART but operated by a local community
Employees
900
Unions
Several Unions represent over 800 SMART employees. These unions are the backbone of SMART and its services:
ATU LOCAL 1564 represents:
· Fixed Route Bus Operators
· Customer Information Operators
· Certain Office & Clerical personnel
AFSCME LOCAL 1786 represents:
· Dispatchers
· Road Supervisors
· Maintenance Supervisors
· Community Transit Dispatch Inspectors
· Vault Pullers
TEAMSTERS Local 247 represents:
· Community Transit Vehicle Operators
· Customer Service Operators & Clerk
UAW LOCAL 771 represents:
· All Maintenance employees