September 28, 2015 (City of Taylor, MI) - SMART and the city of Taylor will celebrate the introduction of two new buses at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00am at the William D. Ford Senior Citizens Center located at 6750 Troy, Taylor, Michigan  48180.  The two new buses are replacement vehicles to transport senior citizens to their choice of destinations, allowing them a continued quality of life and freedom of independence.  Attendees at the event include Mayor Rick Sollars, City Council members, riders of the bus service and SMART staff.

Through the SMART Community Partnership Program (CPP), communities have access to funding and SMART resources to help operate local community transit programs. The CPP helps local municipalities provide community transit programs for their residents and supports a variety of transit needs including:  administrative services, operating expenses, bus purchases, maintenance, loaner vehicles and technical assistance to help communities develop, design and operate service.  

“In addition to the bus services SMART provides for each community, the CPP helps local communities add another level of service for their residents.” said SMART General Manager John Hertel, “With federal dollars returned to the city, Taylor is able to help accommodate more seniors and people with disabilities to get them to services they need every day like medical appointments, grocery shopping and to the Senior Activity Center. SMART is proud of our partnership with Taylor in jointly serving their citizens.”

The bus service is operated by the community and the two buses are replacement vehicles and are equipped with a wheelchair lift to accommodate disabled passengers with seating for 13 passengers. The new bus has a 6.8 liter diesel engine for better mileage. The senior transportation program provides service 5 days a week and transports older adults and people with disabilities to medical appointments, grocery shopping, the Senior Activity Center, theater and plays and other trips.  

"We've really been looking forward to receiving these two buses," Mayor Rick Sollars said. "The William Ford Senior Activities Center plays a huge role in so many lives, and these buses are a key to many of the services that we provide. I'm sure the senior citizens in this community will put these vehicles to good use!"

SMART provides each CPP funding through Community Credits in which a portion of the transit property tax is returned to local communities for operating and or capital purchases. SMART also acts as the fiduciary agent for the State Municipal Credit Program.  Approximately $6.5 million annually is redistributed by SMART via municipal and community credit programs to the area’s community-based transit programs.

Detroit, MI – The SMART Board of Directors approved the purchase of 80 new 40-foot Gillig buses at its August board meeting.  As promised during the 2014 millage, SMART continues to take significant steps to replace its aging fleet within the next 3 to 4 years.  Approximately, one year ago SMART ordered the first installment of 59 buses with delivery expected in late spring 2016.  The second installment of 80 buses will be delivered in 2017.

“We are making great strides to replace our aging fleet as quickly as possible,” said John C. Hertel, general manager, “We are keeping the promise we made during the millage.  Not only will there be new buses on the road soon, but our riders will get to experience a much improved ride and better service.  They deserve it given their support during the millage and their understanding of the importance of the bus service for the region.”

Earlier this year, SMART introduced 61 propane autogas Connector buses to its fleet establishing it as the second largest propane autogas powered paratransit fleet in Michigan and one of the top five largest in the United States.  The new propane Connector buses are fueled with affordable, clean, domestically produced propane gas which will help reduce fuel and maintenance costs and extend the life of the engine. 

The SMART maintenance department repairs and maintains a mix of more than 600 buses including Fixed Route, Connector and Community Transit buses.  More than 80 percent of the Fixed Route buses have exceeded 500,000 miles with some reaching more that 700,000 miles.  Because of the age and number of miles accumulating daily on the fleet, SMART is intent on getting new buses ordered and on the road as soon as possible. The buses are manufactured by Gillig Corporation and are a BRT design, with stainless steel bike rack for 3 bikes, new illuminator LED signs and non-skid flooring.  In addition, SMART’s entire fleet of buses have been equipped with cameras and the new buses will have 11 cameras installed on each, providing a 360 degree view of the interior and exterior of each bus.  The cost for these new buses is approximately $433,000 each. 

In August 2014, the SMART millage was overwhelmingly passed with a 66% approval.  The SMART public transit millage was a renewal and increase from .59 mils to 1.0 mil.  This was the first tax increase for the authority since 2002.  The additional $27 million generated from the increased millage has been used to stabilize SMART’s budget and to purchase new buses to replace those that have exceeded 500,000 miles. 

Even with the increased millage, SMART still has the lowest millage rate in Michigan, yet serves a larger population and geographic area than the nine largest transit agencies in the state combined.  SMART provides 10 million rides annually with 70 percent of riders going to work.  Seniors and people with disabilities ride SMART 1.8 million times annually, using the service for dialysis treatments, medical appointments and for grocery trips. 

Serving residents since 1967, SMART is southeast Michigan’s only regional public transportation provider, offering convenient, reliable and safe transportation for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. SMART’s Fixed Route and small bus services connect people to employment and educational institutions, medical appointments and shopping centers. For routes and fare information, visit smartbus.org.

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SMART is keeping its promise!  We are pleased to announce that ten new hybrid buses have hit the road. Check out this video and look for them in your neighborhood.  Take a ride.  We think you’ll agree, SMART is on the move.

SMART is proud to introduce into its fleet this month, 61 new Connector paratransit propane autogas fuel system buses.  The new propane Connector buses will be fueled with affordable, clean, domestically produced propane gas; making SMART the second largest propane autogas powered paratransit fleet in Michigan and one of the top five largest in the United States.  

“SMART is committed to responsibly and eco-consciously serving the communities in southeast Michigan.  By using domestically produced propane we help support local jobs and our economy,” said John C. Hertel, General Manager, “In addition, using the autogas technology will improve our operations, lower costs and preserve the environment in which we work, live and play.”

By investing in the new autogas vehicles, SMART will reduce emissions, save money, and extend the life of the vehicle.

The total fuel and maintenance savings is projected to be $1.1 - $1.7 million over the lifetime of the fleet with a return on investment of less than four months.  

Further, SMART anticipates the autogas vehicles will last longer.  This technology has been shown to extend vehicle life due to less wear and tear on the engines by other autogas fleets.

SMART began its search for alternative fuels to meet the goals of the authority:  lower fuel costs and resolve the stringent and complicated emission control issues experienced with the diesel-fueled paratransit buses.  After researching various alternative fuels, propane became the clear winner.  It is affordable and is readily available.  Propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing and is becoming increasingly available in the United States due to the abundant supply of natural gas.   In addition, the cost of building on-site refueling stations at each of its three terminals was determined to be less expensive than other refueling station options. The vehicles and propane stations are grant funded.

“Residents in Southeast Michigan are breathing easier due to SMART’s decision to fuel paratransit buses with propane autogas,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “Plus, this abundant alternative transportation fuel means reduced operating and ownership costs for the transit agency.”

The Connector, small bus vehicles serve seniors and people with disabilities helping to get them to work, school and medical appointments throughout the region.  It is an advance reservation, curb-to-curb service where riders may travel anywhere within a 10 mile radius of a designated service area. One of the biggest differences customers will notice is a much quieter ride.

Several local businesses participated in the effort to bring the new autogas buses to SMART.  Mobility Transportation is the commercial dealer for Champion the bus manufacturer.  ROUSH equipped the vehicles with the CleanTech propane autogas fuel system. 

Delivery of all 61 SMART Connector autogas vehicles has been on-going since February and to date 14 vehicles have been placed into service.  After receipt of a bus, SMART performs an FTA inspection and then transfer’s equipment from the retiring bus to the new bus.  This includes the removal and installation of the cameras, farebox, radio and automatic vehicle locator (AVL) system equipment.  The full fleet is expected to be in service by the end of July.

*Autogas is the term for propane when used in an on-road engine. 

About SMART: Serving since 1967, SMART is southeast Michigan’s regional public transportation provider, offering convenient, reliable and safe transportation for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. SMART’s Fixed Route and small bus services connect people to employment and educational institutions, medical appointments and shopping centers. SMART is supported by federal and state funding, local contributions through a transit property tax millage from opt-in communities and bus fares. For routes and fare information, visit www.smartbus.org.

About ROUSH CleanTech: ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of alternative fuel vehicle technology, is a division of ROUSH Enterprises based in Livonia, Mich. ROUSH CleanTech designs, engineers, manufactures and installs propane autogas fuel system technology for light- and medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles, and Type A and Type C Blue Bird school buses. As a Ford QVM-certified alternative fuel vehicle manufacturer, ROUSH CleanTech delivers economical, clean and domestically produced fueling options for fleets across North America. Learn more at or by calling 800.59.ROUSH. 

About Mobility Transportation:  Mobility Transportation Services provides Michigan built buses and commercial passenger vans throughout the U.S. and Guam.  (800)496-4280.  Info@mobilitytrans.com. www.mobilitytrans.com

About Champion Bus:  Champion Bus, Inc., a subsidiary of Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV), manufactures small and medium sized commercial buses for public transit, paratransit, parking, airport, hotel/resort, assisted living, group tour, church and university markets. Founded in 1953, Champion Bus was the first bus manufacturer to become QVM certified by the Ford Motor Company. All bus models manufactured at the company’s ISO 9001 certified facility in Imlay City, Mich. are Altoona tested, FMVSS/CMVSS compliant and have passed FMVSS No. 220 and ECE r.66 rollover safety tests. Backed by a dependable dealer network in North America, Champion Bus provides quick delivery of replacement parts and responsive customer service and technical support. For more information, visit www.championbus.com.

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Thursday, April 23, 2015 - SMART is proud to introduce its new RideSMARTBus mobile app – putting important SMART information at the rider’s fingertips.  Designed for iPhone and Android, the app features routes, schedules, service alerts and Bus Tracker - SMART’s realtime arrival information system.

“SMART is always looking for ways to improve service for our riders and the communities we serve,” said John C. Hertel, General Manager, “By using technology we help our riders get the information they need when they need it and help to reduce the wait time at their stop.  We believe the app helps our riders and we hope it encourages others who may not have used SMART in the past, to give us a try.”

Bus Tracker was launched in the fall of 2014 and is also a key feature on the app.     Bus Tracker stores the rider’s last trip and let’s them watch the bus as it travels along the route toward their stop and count’s down the time to arrival.  This gives the rider a sense of comfort in knowing exactly where the bus is located.

The SMART bus app can be synced with a rider’s personal MySMART profile giving them instant access to their favorite routes and stops.  Notifications of any service changes will be sent automatically for favorite routes, so rider’s can be assured they have all the information they need before they set out on their trip.  The app also offers the ability to look for other ways to ride SMART, with quick access to the Trip Planner feature for the best route to take.

The RideSMARTBus MOBILE APP can be downloaded from the App or Google play store or by visiting smartbus.org.

Check out this video on the new RideSMARTBus App!

Below is a specific list of all the RideSMARTBus App features:

Routes
Use this tool to get a listing of SMART routes and published times.

Tracker
This feature provides realtime bus arrival at a bus stop.

Favorites
By becoming a MySMART member, quickly access favorite bus routes and stops used most often.

Nearest Stops
See the SMART stop nearest an address, a street intersection, or a landmark (such as the Royal Oak Transit Center).

Trip Planner
What's the best trip on SMART? Enter the trip details to get detailed information about the best route options.

Alerts (If activated under Preferences)
When service changes or issues occur, it is nice to have a message waiting. When logged into MySMART, when a favorite route is detoured or bad weather hits, the RideSMARTBus app will send a notification.

Serving since 1967, SMART is southeast Michigan’s only regional public transportation provider, offering convenient, reliable and safe transportation for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. SMART’s Fixed Route and small bus services connect people to employment and educational institutions, medical appointments and shopping centers. SMART is supported by federal and state funding, local contributions through a transit property tax millage from opt-in communities and bus fares. For routes and fare information, visit smartbus.org.

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After the approval of the SMART millage in August, SMART is taking the next step to replace its aging buses. With their Board of Directors’ approval, SMART is purchasing 59, 40-foot, Fixed Route buses.  More than 80 percent of the bus fleet have exceeded 500,000 miles with some reaching more than 700,000 miles and are in desperate need of replacement.  This is the first of several bus orders that SMART will undertake to replace the fleet during the next few years.

 

The SMART transit millage was a renewal and increase from .59 mils to 1.0 mil.  This is the first tax increase for the authority since 2002.  SMART promised to use the additional $27 million generated from the increase millage to stabilize the budget and to purchase new buses to replace the aging fleet. 

 

“We are thrilled with the overall level of support from voters and their understanding of the importance of SMART bus service, especially for those who are not able to drive and depend on us”, said John C. Hertel, general manager, “We will continue to provide this much-needed transit service for the region and, as promised, we will use the additional money to replace the buses as quickly as we can over the next three years.”

 

Because of the age and number of miles accumulating on each bus, SMART is intent on getting new buses ordered and on the road as soon as possible.  “We are able to quickly start replacing these buses,” said John C. Hertel, “Our staff was thinking ahead by getting involved in the joint procurement contract so that we would be able to order buses as soon as the millage was decided.”

 

SMART has entered into a 5-year, joint procurement contract collaborating with 12 other transit agencies.  The procurement was headed by METRO Bus System located in Akron, Ohio.  By participating in the joint procurement, SMART reduced the bidding process time by approximately 6 to 8 months. The buses will be manufactured by Gillig Corporation in Haywood, CA. The contract allows for adding optional equipment and upgrades.  The new buses will have a sleek, modern ‘Bus Rapid Transit’ (BRT) design, a stainless steel bike rack that holds 3 bikes, a new exterior Luminator LED sign and non-skid flooring.  Delivery of the new buses will take approximately 18 months.

 

Even with the increased millage, SMART still has the lowest millage rate in Michigan, yet serves the largest population and geographic area than the nine largest transit agencies in the state combined.

 

Serving since 1967, SMART is southeast Michigan’s only regional public transportation provider, offering convenient, reliable and safe transportation for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. SMART’s Fixed Route and small bus services connect people to employment and educational institutions, medical appointments and shopping centers. SMART is supported by federal and state funding, local contributions through a transit property tax millage from opt-in communities and bus fares. For routes and fare information, visit smartbus.org.