SMART FAST Ridership Continues to Increase!

• Woodard Avenue increased 96%*
• Michigan Avenue increased 68%*
• Gratiot Avenue increased 40%*

     *ridership figures compare December 2017 to December 2019 along each corridor

• System wide ridership over the last two years has increased 20%

                                              

Detroit, Mich., February 5, 2020: FAST… Frequent. Affordable. Safe. Transit. operated by SMART is going into its 3^rd year of operation and by all measures it is an overwhelming success.  Since the first day of service on, January 1, 2018, ridership has exploded along the three key regional corridors on Gratiot, Woodward and Michigan Avenues. On average, there were 5,000 additional rides every weekday on the FAST corridors compared to pre-FAST.

SMART anticipated great things with FAST, however, SMART never anticipated the exceedingly positive public response and significant ridership levels to elevate so quickly. Each route saw weekday ridership numbers increase. Michigan Avenue, which travels to the airport, increased 68%. Woodard Avenue, which travels to Pontiac, increased 96%, Gratiot Avenue, which travels to 23 mile, increased by 40%.

Despite declines in public transit ridership nationally, SMART has experienced strong ridership increases throughout the system.  Over the last two years, system wide ridership has increased 20%. Incorporating the new FAST service along three of SMART’s busiest routes has helped to prompt this growth. 

 “We are very pleased with the great success of the FAST routes.  Each corridor plays an important role in connecting the suburbs to the city and helping people get to jobs, medical appointments and entertainment venues,” said John C. Hertel, General Manager at SMART, “We wanted to get this service up and running so that residents in the region could get more access to the places they needed to go and easily connect them to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Pontiac and 23 Mile road.  Our efforts have paid off with more people than ever riding SMART.”  

SMART is always looking at ways to improve service for the region.  As part of that effort, for the past 18 months, SMART initiated a Comprehensive Operational Analysis to learn more about how to best serve riders in SE Michigan and to continue growing ridership and improve efficiency. The analysis took place through a series of in-person, written, and online suggestions from everyday riders.  In February, SMART will present a plan to its Board of Directors for approval.  The SMART Path Plan will serve as a guide for the agency on future improvements to more effectively serve the region.  Innovation is a key aspect of the plan as well as implementing more FAST routes.

Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) and The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) encourage all customers to download the Dart mobile app to buy Dart passes to ride DDOT, SMART, and the QLINE streetcar.

Users can create an account with their payment information and then, buy passes directly on their phones. Upon purchase, users have immediate access to an electronic pass to show the driver upon boarding.

With the Dart app, users can select a 4-hour or 24-hour pass, or the 7- or 31-day pass at standard or reduced fare rates.

For more information about the Dart app, visit www.thedartapp.com.

SMART, DDOT Become Proterra’s 100^th Customer with Purchase of Proterra® Battery-Electric Buses and Charging Systems   

Proterra brings electric vehicle technology to the Motor City and marks more than 800 vehicles sold in North America

 

BURLINGAME, Calif. – October 1, 2019 – Today, Proterra, a leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation, announced that the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) and Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) have agreed to purchase electric buses and chargers from Proterra, becoming the 100^th customer for the company. DTE Energy will work with DDOT, SMART and Proterra on the charging infrastructure. To date Proterra has sold more than 800 buses across 41 U.S. states and Canadian provinces and delivered more than 390 battery-electric buses. Proterra vehicles on the road have also achieved nearly ten million miles of service across North America. 

 

DDOT will receive two 40-foot Proterra Catalyst® E2 Max buses, two Proterra® 125 kW plug-in chargers and one 500 kW overhead fast-charge system. SMART will receive four 40-foot Proterra Catalyst® E2 buses with DuoPower™ drivetrain technology, four Proterra® 125 kW plug-in chargers and one 500 kW overhead fast-charge system. DDOT and SMART provide high-quality, safe and cost-effective public transit to the southeast Michigan region. DDOT is the largest public transit agency in Michigan providing service to the city of Detroit and neighboring cities and SMART operates primarily in suburban areas. SMART and DDOT were awarded $2.6 million through the Low- or No-Emission Vehicle (Low-No) Program from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration for the electric buses and charging systems. The Proterra electric buses are the first electric buses for both organizations and the Proterra vehicles will replace aging diesel buses.

 

“SMART has long been interested in adding alternative fuel buses to our fleet, and the all-electric bus project is a big step into the future for transit in southeast Michigan.” said John C. Hertel, General Manager, SMART. “Battery-electric buses not only help us meet our sustainability goals, but provide a better rider experience while delivering cost savings.”

 

“Electric buses are a great addition to our fleet and sustainability initiatives that will continue to improve the transit experience for our communities,” said Angelica Jones, Interim Director of DDOT. “It is a great example between the public, private sector and DTE to bring clean and efficient transportation to metro Detroit.”

 

DTE Energy will work with SMART, DDOT and Proterra to provide the utility infrastructure necessary for charging the buses while on-route and at the respective terminals. Proterra and DTE Energy also recently announced a project to provide battery-electric school buses to Michigan schools for pupil transportation and to conduct a vehicle-to-grid pilot program.

 

“We’re excited to once again be working with Proterra to deliver the benefits of electric vehicle technology to Michigan,” said Sean Gouda, manager of DTE’s Electrification Business Development. “DTE Energy is a leader in clean energy initiatives, and we see transportation as a great opportunity to grow our sustainability efforts throughout the state. We commend DDOT and SMART for expanding clean transportation options in our region.”

 

Proterra has consistently advanced electric vehicle technology to tackle the needs of transit agencies across North America. One of the most impressive features of a Proterra battery-electric bus is the drivetrain and propulsion system that enable fuel economies of up to 25 MPGe, compared to conventional combustion engines that typically only get about 3.6 MPG. In addition to excellent fuel economy, Proterra battery-electric buses have eliminated range anxiety by engineering a bus that can hold up to 660 kWh of battery capacity and reach up to 328 miles of operating range.

 

In addition to battery-electric buses, Proterra provides purpose-built high-power charging systems for heavy duty EV fleets. All charging systems utilize standardized technology so customers could charge a range of electric vehicles on the same Proterra charger. In addition to the charging hardware, Proterra offers a full suite of options to enable turn-key delivery of a complete energy ecosystem for heavy-duty electric fleets including design, build, financing, operations, maintenance and energy optimization with Proterra Energy™ fleet solutions.

 

“Proterra has reached an incredible milestone of bringing clean, quiet transportation to 100 customers across North America,” said Proterra CEO Ryan Popple. “From the vehicle design and battery technology to heavy-duty charging systems and energy solutions, Proterra has been a pioneer in electrifying the transit industry. More than any other form of transportation, battery-electric buses are the cornerstone in addressing the future of mobility and sustainability for cities, and we believe the most exciting EV developments are happening in the North American electric bus industry.” 

 

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About Proterra:

Proterra is a leader in the design and manufacture of zero-emission, heavy-duty electric vehicles, enabling bus fleet operators to significantly reduce operating costs while delivering clean, quiet transportation to local communities across North America. The company’s configurable Catalyst platform is designed to serve the daily mileage needs of a wide range of transit routes on a single charge. With industry-leading durability and energy efficiency based on rigorous U.S. independent testing, Proterra products are proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in America, with offices in Silicon Valley, South Carolina, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit: http://www.proterra.com and follow us on Twitter @Proterra_Inc.

May 1^st is coming up quick! Prepare for your trip by purchasing your Dart pass ahead of time. You can now purchase Dart passes at SMART transit centers as well as online.

●   Dart payment options include unlimited 4-hour, 24-hour options, weekly and monthly passes to streamline service

●   Dart payment system begins May 1, Dart mobile app payment to launch later this summer

 Transportation and elected officials from Metro Detroit announced today a unified payment system for the region’s bus systems, taking another step towards aligning SMART and DDOT. This new system, Dart, will launch on May 1.  Dart will be a new way to pay for transit in Metro Detroit and make taking transit more seamless in the region for riders.  

 Dart passes will be available in 4-hour, 24-hour, 7-day and 31-day increments and customers will be able to use them interchangeably on SMART and DDOT buses, eliminating transfers and streamlining the number or fare options between the two systems. Reduced fare options will be available for seniors, people with disabilities, Medicare Cardholders, and youth.  A Dart mobile app will be available this summer.

 “The new Dart payment options will improve the experience for transit riders across Detroit and the metro region", said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Dart will bring our two systems closer together with seamless transfers and more flexible payments making riding transit easier for everyone."

 Dart: a more flexible, simple system

The Dart system will simplify the fare options for riders by eliminating transfers and the complexity of fares that exist today. With Dart, riders on either system will only have to pay once and go.  The new Dart passes are designed for quicker, easier boarding and to eliminate confusion on how to pay for transit. 

 “This a giant step in the coordination activities which both SMART and DDOT are working together on for the benefit of the public,” said John C. Hertel, General Manager of SMART, “The county executives, Warren Evans, Mark Hackel, Brooks Patterson, and Mayor Mike Duggan have done a marvelous job in supporting our efforts to make transit better for everyone in the metropolitan area.” 

 “I applaud SMART and DDOT for this collaborative step as transit is critical to connecting people to opportunity,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Under the current system, transfers can be confusing and intimidating. Relieving that headache encourages ridership which is important to improving mobility and increasing transit options.”

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, stated, "Collaboration between SMART and DDOT to improve service for riders is a step toward providing a transit solution that works for the whole region, especially when it entails making the connection between the regional and city bus systems easier for individuals who rely on both to get to their jobs."  

“Both DDOT and SMART have been working together to provide efficient and reliable transportation to the region” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “This is another example of why I believe these two agencies will continue to provide us with the solutions we need for regional transit.”

 Under the new system, riders will be able to purchase any of the following Dart passes:

●   A 4-hour regional Dart pass with unlimited transfers between DDOT and SMART for $2, with a reduced fare price of 50 cents for qualified riders.

●   A 24-hour regional Dart pass with unlimited transfers between DDOT and SMART for $5, with a reduced price of $2.

●    A 7-day regional Dart pass for $22, with a reduced price of $10.

●    A 31-day regional Dart pass, good for unlimited rides on both systems, for $70, with a reduced price of $29.  The 31-day pass will also feature a tap to pay option for easier boarding.

Riders have the ability to take unlimited rides on both systems, eliminating transfers and other additional fees from the previous payment systems. Dart is a rolling pass as each pass starts on the  first use for the time period allotted. And, for the first time, all of the new regional passes are available for reduced fare riders – seniors, people with disabilities, Medicare Cardholders, and youth - who show valid ID will have access to these reduced fares.

4-hour and 24-hour Dart passes will be available for purchase on SMART and DDOT vehicles.  All Dart passes will be available for purchase through SMART/DDOT Transit Centers, select retail outlets, online or by mail starting May 1. A mobile Dart app will be launched early this summer, where users can purchase and use Dart passes directly from their phone.

 It is anticipated that Dart will expand to the QLINE and the People Mover in the near future. 

 “Paying with Dart is going to make it much easier for Detroiters to get where they need to go.  This partnership with SMART demonstrates our commitment to working together on key initiatives that have separated our systems in the past”, said Angelica Jones, Interim Director of Detroit Department of Transportation. 

 Regional transit improvements continue in Metro Detroit

Dart comes as a number of improvements have been made to the region’s transit systems in recent years, including the introduction of the SMART FAST high frequency, limited stop bus service, DDOT ConnectTen service, capital improvements to both systems, and the introduction of the QLINE. This resulted in Detroit being one of seven places in the United States where transit ridership increased in 2017 according to an analysis completed by TransitCenter. 

For more information on DDOT, visit http://www.ridedetroittransit.com/ or call DDOT at (313) 933-1300.

For more information on SMART, visit https://www.smartbus.org/ or call SMART at (866) 962-5515.

Know before you go . . .
ROUTE CHANGES
567-New Baltimore/Lenox New route and service!
• Replaces Route 560 on 23 Mile
• Connects to the RLEMS Shuttle at Meijer on 26 Mile
562-FAST Gratiot DMC/WSU
• Will permanently operate on Woodward between Canfield and Putnam
610-Kercheval-Harper
• Will permanently operate on Warren ending at Anthony Wayne Drive
620-Charlevoix
• Routing changed from Maryland to Alter between Jefferson and Charlevoix
730-10 Mile
• New Eastbound routing around the Royal Oak Transit Center via Lafayette to 11 Mile
805-Grand River Park & Ride
• New afternoon express trips with non-stop service from downtown to Fenton Lot via M-10 to I-96
849/851-Westside Park & Ride
• Will permanently operate on West Grand Blvd/Woodward-Warren/Forest

New Schedule Look Up

TIME CHANGES, STOP CHANGES, and NEW TRIPS      

261 FAST Michigan	567 New Baltimore/Lenox
445 Oakland Limited	805 Grand River Park & Ride
461/462 FAST Woodward	849/851 Westside Park & Ride

New schedules and Service Bulletins can be viewed online to view changes and times.
Don’t forget you can call Customer Service to answer any service questions.

Register for MySMART!

 

When you sign up for a MySMART account, you will receive a personal correspondence about your route, including:

•    Service Changes

•    Job Openings at SMART

•    Community News Important to you

Additionally, you can receive promotional and marketing emails that update you on exciting events like:

•    Holiday Pass Giveaways

•    Driver Appreciation Month

•    Customer Appreciation Month

•    Special Events

Best of all, it’s FREE. You can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time!

How to sign up for these informational emails

When you create and log on to your MySMART account at www.smartbus.org, you will see this option:  

     

From there you can select one or both options to receive emails directly to your inbox!

It is important to select the exact routes you want to hear about. To do so, scroll to the bottom of the page after logging on to MySMART and Manage your Favorite Route:

Other ways to stay updated include Twitter or Facebook!

SMART Millage Recount Ends; Macomb County Bus Service Will Continue

The SMART millage recount appears to be over in Macomb County and the people who rely on the bus can breathe a sigh of relief. SMART services will continue to operate in all of Macomb County.
While the recount request has been withdrawn and appears to be over, SMART is waiting or the Macomb County Board of Canvassers to officially close the process. The original certified vote count will stand.
“We are thrilled to be able to get back to concentrating on doing what we do best, which is getting 70 percent of SMART riders to work and getting people with special needs and those who are unable to afford a car to the places they need to go,” said John C. Hertel, General Manager of SMART, “Now that this is over, we are going to continue to build on the successful service that has resulted in an 11 percent increase in ridership. Also, as always, we not only look forward to our collaboration with Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties, but also our renewed and promising coordination efforts with the City of Detroit.”

• DDOT proposes to create unlimited 4-hour, 24-hour options, weekly and monthly passes to streamline service
• New 31-day, 4-hour, and 24-hour regional passes would eliminate additional transfer fare between DDOT & SMART
• Mobile app for mobile pass purchase, additional retail locations to provide more options for riders

DETROIT, Michigan – The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is proposing fare and transfer changes in coordination with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), designed to make using the region’s primary transit systems much simpler for riders, Mayor Mike Duggan and John Hertel, SMART General Manager announced today.

The proposed changes will streamline the fare system for riders by:

• Eliminating all transfer fares, including additional transfer fares between DDOT and SMART, allowing for seamless transfers between the two systems using new 4-hour, 24-hour and 31-day regional passes
• Reducing the number of passes from 25+ confusing choices to six easy, flexible options
• Adding a mobile fare payment app and additional retail location for tickets

“We are working every day to make our transit system better, and the fare changes will go a long way to make DDOT easier and simpler to ride,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Seamless transfers for DDOT and SMART, flexible fare options and more retail and payment choices will improve the experience for riders overall.”

The proposed changes aim to provide simpler choices and more flexibility for bus riders in Detroit and across the region. Riders can provide feedback and comments on the plan at community meetings and public hearings over the next three months. The proposal will go before City Council for approval in November. Pending approval, fare changes would be implemented starting December 1.  Any adjustments to SMART’s fares will require approval of SMART’s Board of Directors.

Building a more flexible, simple system
The proposed fare changes will simplify the fare options for riders by eliminating the current system: a confusing jumble of over 25 fare options. All new fare cards will be designed for quicker, easier boarding.
Under the new system, riders will be able to purchase:

• A 4-hour regional ride pass on any route with unlimited transfers between DDOT and SMART for $2, with a reduced fare price of .50 cents for qualified riders.
• A 24-hour regional pass with unlimited transfers between DDOT and SMART for $5, with a reduced price of $2.
• A 7-day DDOT-only pass for $17, with a reduced price of $8.
• A 7-day regional pass for $22, with a reduced price of $10.
• A 31-day DDOT-only pass for $60, with a reduced price of $17.
• A new 31-day regional pass, good for unlimited rides on both DDOT and SMART, for $70, with a reduced price of $29.  This would replace the existing Regional Pass and Regional Plus Pass.
• SMART will continue to offer the current set of SMART-only passes.

Consistent with SMART’s current practice, DDOT 7 Day and 31 Day Passes will be no longer expire at the end of the week or month. Passes will be active for the full 7 or 31 days starting on the first day of use. Weekly and monthly passes that have rolling times rather than fixed dates will give riders the full value for their money.

Seamless transfers throughout the region
DDOT and SMART are working together to allow seamless transfers between the two transit systems.  The proposed 4- and 24-hour passes and new regional pass will let DDOT riders use the same base fare ticket to transfer to SMART, ending the need to carry extra change or an additional pass just to pay for the transfer. DDOT and SMART officials say ending the fares for transfers also will reduce boarding times and eliminate confusion among bus drivers and passengers.

“Our working relationship with DDOT has never been better and we hope to continue to collaborate on projects that will benefit our riders and drivers as well as our both of our agencies,” stated John C. Hertel, General Manager of SMART, “With the elimination of the transfer fare, riders will be the biggest winners with an easier and improved riding experience.”

Moving forward SMART is committed to working with DDOT to make travel around the region easier and more convenient.  A big first step would be the elimination of the transfer fare allowing riders 4 hours of riding on any route, any direction and any system.  Additionally, the proposed changes eliminate the need for a separate SMART Regional Plus pass. All of these changes will require approval of SMART’s Board of Directors.

Easier to use, easier to purchase
While the fare changes will make it easier to choose and use passes, DDOT and SMART are also working to make it easier for riders to purchase passes by adding a mobile fare payment option.   DDOT will also add additional retail locations for ticket purchases.

A new mobile phone-based pass purchase option will allow riders to purchase and store the new unlimited regional 24-hour and 31-day regional and DDOT-only passes right on a mobile phone. After the initial release, DDOT and SMART will coordinate efforts to add additional passes to this new mobile option with the goal of all passes being available later in 2019.

DDOT is also adding 40 more retail locations citywide, including community centers and convenience stores. The new pass format will be easier for retailers to sell, and DDOT will add self-serve ticket vending machines at select locations. These locations are in addition to current places bus passes are sold. Locations will be added pending approvals in December.

Base fare to provide more flexibility with no increase to reduced rates
The new base fare for riders will be $2 for the unlimited 4-hour pass, with free transfers between DDOT buses and the SMART system. Because riders will no longer have to shell out extra change for transfers between routes and/or systems, many regional trips will be cheaper. 

Student riders (under 18 years old) will see a reduction in fares, to 50 cents from 75 cents on DDOT and $1.00 on SMART, and seniors 65 or older, Medicare card holders and individuals with disabilities will enjoy all of the new benefits at the same price, with no increase.

Community engagement key to changes
The proposed fare changes follow a community engagement process from DDOT that took public input from stakeholders about the changes and conducted a Title VI On-Board Survey and Equity Analysis. The study was federally required to ensure major transit service changes are not discriminatory.

DDOT and SMART will continue to coordinate and adjust the proposed changes throughout the public engagement process.  DDOT plans additional community meetings in August and formal public hearings in October. Following the community engagement period, the proposal will go before City Council in November for final approval.  SMART will also host public meetings and hearings prior to the proposal going before the SMART Board of Directors for final approval.  Pending approvals, the changes would be implemented in December.

For more information the proposal and schedule of community meetings, visit:
DDOT:  http://www.ridedetroittransit.com/ or call at (313) 933-1300.
SMART:  http://www.smartbus.org/ or call at (866) 962-5515.