TRANSFERS

What are transfers used for?

Transfers are used when passengers need to use more than one route to reach their destination.  They allow passengers to continue travel on a connecting route.

How do I get a transfer?

Full fare and youth transfers can be purchased for 25 cents from the farebox upon boarding. Transfers are free for seniors.

How do I use the transfer?

For magnetic strip transfers – insert your transfer into the trim unit when boarding the bus.  It will be validated and returned. For paper transfers – hand the transfer to the driver.  He or she will determine if it is still valid and return the transfer.

How long are transfers valid?

SMART fareboxes issue three different transfers:  full fare (25 cents), senior/disabled (free) and student (25 cents). Full fare transfers allow passengers to transfer to SMART buses within three (3) hours from the time the transfer is issued. Reverse riding on the route from which the transfer was originally issued is not permitted.  (Same route, different direction (SRDD) policy)  Senior/Disabled and Youth transfers allow passengers to transfer between SMART Fixed Route buses without limitation within three (3) hours from when the transfer is issued.

Can transfers be used for continued travel in the same direction on the same route?

Transfers can be used on SMART Fixed Route buses within the three-hour window for Senior/Disabled and Youth transfers.  Full fare transfers prohibit reverse riding on the route from which the transfer was originally issued.

Can transfers be used to travel in the reverse direction?

Full fare transfers can not be used in the reverse direction on the original route from which the transfer was issued. Senior/Disabled and Youth transfers allow passengers to travel in any direction within three (3) hours from when the transfer is issued.

Can I use my transfer on other metro area systems?

DDOT Accepts SMART transfers for one ride.  For travel beyond one route you can purchase an additional transfer for 25 cents. MTA Accepts SMART transfers only in Auburn Hills for one ride only. Port Huron - Blue Water Blue Water accepts SMART transfers for up to two rides.

Can I use other system’s transfers on SMART buses?

SMART accepts transfers from DDOT, MTA and Blue Water Transit.

If a Transfer unit malfunctions and will not produce a transfer, will a paper transfer be issued?

Paper transfers can be issued and will be accepted on SMART buses the same as a magnetic transfer.  .

How are transfers from Fixed Route to Connector honored?  Is additional fare required?

Additional fare may be required. Transfers from Fixed Route can be used for only one trip on Connector. The Connector operators will mark the transfer to indicate that it has already been used for one Connector trip. Full fare customers transferring from fixed route onto SMART Connector must pay an additional $2.00 for Advance Reservation trips.  Transfers from SMART Fixed Route onto the Job Express, Groesbeck Service and other shuttle service require no additional fare.

Are transfers allowed between Fixed Route & Community Partnership programs?

No.

How are transfers from Job Express to Regular Fixed Route honored?  Is additional fare required?

When transferring from Job Express to Fixed Route, passengers will have to pay $2.00 plus 25 cents for a transfer.  When transferring from Fixed Route to Job Express, no additional fare will be required.

How are transfers honored between Park & Ride and the following?  Is additional fare required?

Transfers are accepted from Park & Ride routes to all forms of SMART transportation without additional fare.   For transfers from other SMART services to Park & Ride routes an additional fare will be needed to bring the total fare paid up to the Park & Ride fare. For example: Connector Full Fare - $4.00 plus 25 cents to transfer to a Park & Ride route. Connector Senior/Disabled - $2.00 plus 25 cents to transfer to a Park & Ride route Job Express – $1.00 Job Express fare and 25 cent transfer plus $1.50 to transfer to a Park & Ride route Regular Fixed Route – $2.00 fixed route fare and 25 cent transfer plus 50 cents to transfer to a Park & Ride route.

What is the policy for issuing or accepting doubled transfers?

SMART only doubles transfers for passengers going from Fixed Route to Connector to indicate that a transfer has already been used on a Connector bus.

Can I buy a transfer if I have a SMART/DDOT Regional Pass?

Unfortunately, SMART transfers will not be issued to SMART/DDOT Regional Pass customers.  For continued travel on SMART, SMART/DDOT Regional Pass holders must pay an additional 50 cents per ride.  Customers may use cash, SMART Value Passes or the SMART Regional Plus to pay the additional 50 cent fare.

What if my transfer expires because the bus runs behind schedule?

The transfer is valid for three hours regardless of schedule adherence.