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Board of Meeting Schedule FY 2021

FY 2021

Date Meeting Minutes Additional  Documents
July 23, 2020  Approved Minutes  
August 27, 2020 Approved Minutes  
September 24, 2020 Approved Minutes   
October 22, 2020 Approved Minutes  
November 19, 2020 Approved Minutes    
Decmber 10, 2020 Audit Committee Meeting
Dcember 10, 2020 Approved Minutes  
January 28, 2021 Approved Minutes  
February 25, 2021  Approved Minutes  
March 25, 2021 Approved Minutes  
April 22, 2021 Approved Minutes  
May 3, 2021 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING 
May 3, 2021 NEW - BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
May 5, 2021 GM Search Committee MEETING 
May 18, 2021 GM Search Committee MEETING 
May 26, 2021 GM Search Committee MEETING 
May 27, 2021 GM Search Committee MEETING 
May 27, 2021 Approved Minutes  
June 9, 2021 GM Search Committee Meeting 
June 24, 2021  

 

Metropark Express FAQ

FAQ - How to Ride Metroparks Express

What exactly is Metropark Express?

Metropark Express is a pilot transit program in partnership with SMART.  Visitors can take a SMART Flex on-demand service from the Gratiot & 15 Mile bus stop to popular destinations within Lake St. Clair Metropark, including the:

            -Plaza (Beach, pool, splash pad, adventure golf, food bar, park office, playground)

            -Boat Launch

            -Nature Center (Nature Trails)

            -Daysail

How do I book a ride to Lake St. Clair Metropark?

The easiest way to book a ride, is by downloading the SMART Flex app on a smart device.

  1. Search ‘SMART Flex’ in the App Store or Google Play Store and tap the download icon.
  2. Open the app and enter your personal and payment information. Once you set up the app you won’t have to do this again.
  3. To travel to Lake St. Clair Metropark on Metropark Express, ride any of these SMART routes - 610 Kercheval/Harper, 560 Gratiot Local or FAST Gratiot 563 to the SMART Gratiot & 15 Mile stop. Select the Gratiot & 15 Mile as your location and press ‘Confirm My Pickup Point.’ Hit the +sign if you want to bring extra passengers along!
  4. For your drop off point, search 'Lake St. Clair Metropark' under 'My Destinations’ and choose which location you'd like to travel to within the park and press ‘Confirm My Dropoff Point.’ Your driver will drop you off at that location. 
  5. Choose the trip option that’s best for you, then tap ‘Book This Ride.’
  6. Follow the dotted line in the app to get to your exact pickup location, which may be a short walk.
  7. The app will display your driver’s name, vehicle model, and license plate info to help you locate your ride.

I don’t have a smart phone; can I still use this service?

Yes, you can book a ride on SMART Flex by calling (734) 212-8429 and talk with a representative.  You will still need to pay via credit card or debit card or use a valid bus pass.  Drivers do not carry cash or allow cash payments.

What is the cost to book a ride to Lake St. Clair Metropark?

Rides cost $2 per person, from 15 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue origin point to Lake St. Clair Metropark or vice versa. Your ride to the park is FREE if you are transferring from a SMART fixed bus route. All SMART and Dart passes (except for SMART value passes) are accepted as payment. Visit https://www.smartbus.org/Fares for information on fares, passes and reduced fare eligibility.

Can I use my bus pass on Metroparks Express powered by SMART?

Yes, a valid SMART or Dart bus pass or Dart mobile pass are accepted as payment.

How long do I have to wait to get a ride?

Wait times for SMART Flex are approximately 15 – 20 minutes from the time the ride is booked.  The app will count down the minutes to your vehicles arrival and send you a notification when the vehicle is two minutes away and when it arrives.  

When can I book a ride on Metroparks Express to go to the park?

You can book these rides anytime between 8am and 8pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Does the service run year-round?

Metroparks Express is a pilot program that will run from September 3rd, 2021 through September 5th, 2022. 

We are currently evaluating the program for future feasibility. Please let us know about your experience here: Metropark Express Survey 

Can I pay for my ride with cash?

No, the drivers do not carry cash or accept any payments. The trip must be paid for at the time of booking, either in the app, or via phone, with a credit card, debit card, or a valid bus pass. Visit https://www.smartbus.org/Fares for information on fares, passes and reduced fare eligibility.

Can I bring my bike with me?

SMART is working to install bike racks on Flex vehicles.  While they are not available at this time, they will be available in the future so that you may bring it with you to use in the park.

Can I bring my cooler and beach bag or other equipment for the day?

Yes, you are welcome to bring everything you need to enjoy the park. Keeping in mind, however, that you must be able to carry and load/unload your personal belongings yourself (drivers will not).  While there are no restrictions on the kinds of things you can bring, your items have to fit on your lap or under the seat while riding SMART fixed routes and safely within the available areas of the Flex vehicle.  SMART drivers have to prioritize space for passengers over cargo space.

Do I have to wear a mask on Metropark Express?

Yes. As a reminder, Federal Law currently requires passengers to wear a mask while riding any SMART service, including Flex and Metropark Express – powered by SMART.

Does this get me in the park faster?

It just might! It all depends on traffic conditions entering the park; on some busier days and during special events, cars may have had to wait in line ahead of the tollbooth. Tollbooth staff will prioritize Metroparks Express (transit) vehicles over personal cars to get people swiftly into the park. Once you are past the tollbooth, your driver will drop you off at the curb of your selected park destination.

Can I be dropped off in different areas of the park?

Yes! You can choose one of four locations (Plaza, Boat Launch, Nature Center, Daysail) within the park when booking your trip.  The driver will drop off and pick you up at these designated stops.

Can I bring alcohol on the Metropark Express service?

Yes.  Metroparks Express – powered by SMART is a public transit service, just like when you take transit to and from the grocery store any alcohol you bring onboard with you must be unopened and stored away.

Follow park rules, located at https://www.metroparks.com/about-us/rules-and-regulations/

How many people fit into a Metropark Express Flex vehicle?

There is a total of 5 passenger seats in the Flex vehicle. If a reservation is made for a party larger than 5, SMART will deploy additional vehicles to take visitors to the park.

Is the service accessible for people with disabilities?

All SMART vehicles are wheelchair accessible.  When booking a ride on the Metroparks Express, be sure to toggle on the “Wheelchair Accessible” option in the “Special Settings” section in your account. 

If you don’t have a smartphone and require assistance setting up an account, you can call (734) 212-8429 and talk with a representative and let them know you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

SMART Job Link

HOURS

Daily service, Monday - Friday

4:00 a.m. - 11:15 p.m.

For route and scheduling information, call (313) 223-2400 during service hours.

SHUTTLE ROUTE & BUS STOPS

The shuttle route travels in one-direction only. Designated SMART and/or DDOT bus stops (shown as blue dots on the map) will be served. Be sure to stand on the correct side of the road.

Once on board, just let the driver know where you need to stop.  The SMART Job Link connects you to your place of work to nearby SMART and DDOT bus stops.

Job Link Map

Image shows SMART Job Link MapFIXED ROUTES

If you ride SMART or DDOT, there are several bus routes to connect you to a bus stop served by the Job Link route.

DDOT Routes: 4, 15, 38, 39 ,42, 43 

SMART Routes: FAST 461/462 

AFFORDABLE

The shuttle is included in your fare when riding SMART and DDOT! There is no extra cost for employees riding the SMART Job Link to the Oakland Industrial Park.

CONVENIENT

No matter what shift you work, the SMART Job Link will be there.

When boarding from a local bus stop, the Job Link will pick you up and drop you off at your place of work. Drivers will stop at any driveway of a business located within the Oakland Industrial Park. Just let the driver know where you need to stop!

FARES

The Dart fare allows you unlimited rides in any direction on SMART and DDOT.

Base fares are:

4 Hour Regional Pass – $2.00 Full Fare

50¢ Reduced Fare*

*Eligibility: Senior – 65+ years, Disabled,Medicare recipients, Youth – 6 to 18 Years

There are a variety of passes available to help make your ride to work affordable.

Visit www.paywithdart.org for more information

Download the Dart app to pay your fare on your device. www.thedartapp.org

Participating Employers

For company participation information, please contact your HR Department.

  • Stellantis
  • Faurecia
  • Hyundai Mobis
  • Modular Automotive Systems
  • Magna
  • Valeo
  • Yangfen

SMART Flex Policies

Zero Tolerance Policy

SMART Flex has a strict Zero Tolerance policy. We do not tolerate the use of drugs or alcohol by drivers on the SMART Flex service platform nor do we tolerate inappropriate behavior by drivers towards passengers. If you believe that your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, if your driver is behaving in a manner that you consider inappropriate or that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or if your driver engages in conduct which could be considered unlawful or illegal, please ask the driver to terminate the trip immediately. If you feel that you are in imminent danger, please contact the police directly by calling 911. After the ride has concluded, please provide feedback using the SMART Flex app or email us at support-smart@ridewithvia.com to report the issue.

 

Cigarette policy

Smoking of any kind is prohibited, including e-cigarettes, vaporizers, or smokeless cigarettes.

 

Eating/drinking policy

We know that you are on the go, but please help us keep our vehicles clean and fresh and avoid bringing food and drink in our cars. Please also be mindful that smelly food can be distracting and unpleasant for your fellow passengers. Drinking alcohol and carrying open containers of alcohol in our vehicles is not allowed.

 

Phone call policy

Please remember your fellow passengers might not be interested in your phone conversations. We ask that you limit phone calls to quick logistics and emergencies during shared rides.

 

Luggage/strollers policy

SMART Flex vehicles are a shared space, and as such we ask everyone to limit any personal items to a single piece of luggage or a reasonably-sized bag. 

 

Pet policy

Licensed service animals are welcome to ride in SMART Flex vehicles without restrictions. Other dogs and cats must be in an airline-approved carrier in order to ride with SMART Flex and be able to be carried on the rider’s lap or underneath the rider’s seat/seat in front.

 

Age policy

Riders must be 13 years of age or older. Children under the age of 13 can ride with SMART Flex when accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Flex FAQ

FAQS 

Can I book rides without a smartphone?

Yes. Call (734) 212-8429.

Why am I being asked to walk to my pickup spot?

Our tech pairs riders heading in the same direction, meaning passengers might be getting picked up and dropped off throughout your ride. In order to keep things moving as quickly and efficiently as possible, we usually ask you to meet us at a nearby corner instead of right outside the address you entered — that way, the driver doesn’t have to make any detours that could slow things down. 

How do I know where to meet my driver?

After you book a ride, the app will display your pickup spot — we’ll either give you the address or business name at your pickup spot to help you find it. Either way, there will always be a dotted line to show you how to get there!

Can I bring someone along with me?

You can bring up to 2 additional passengers. Please note that each additional passenger costs $2 extra.

How do I pay for my rides?

You can pay with a credit or debit card, valid DART Regional pass or SMART DART pass, or by Ride Credit on the app.

If you choose to link your credit or debit card:

  • If you choose to link your credit or debit card in the app when you create your account, you’ll be prompted to input your card number and information.
  • You can also update your card by going into the left-hand menu in your app and tapping on ‘Payment Methods’.
  • Once you’re in ‘Payment Methods’ you can either click on an existing card to update your information or tap on ‘+ Add a new payment method’ to add a new card associated with your account.

If you are paying for a ride using valid DART Regional Passes or SMART DART passes (mobile or physical Passes) don't forget to show your valid pass to your driver once you’re onboard the vehicle.

Note: SMART DART Value passes are not accepted on SMART Flex.

If you choose to pay with Rider Credit in the app, you’ll be able to do so by going into the left-hand menu in your app and tapping on ‘Ride Credit’. Once you’re in ‘Ride Credit’ you can see your remaining credit or purchase additional credit.

Can I book a ride in advance?

SMART Flex works on demand, meaning we don’t take advance bookings. Book your ride shortly before you’re ready to leave, as average wait times range between 5 and 30 minutes.

What happens if I cancel my ride?

If you cancel a ride within 1 minute of booking, we’ll waive the cost of the cancellation. Otherwise, we’ll charge you $1. If the driver cannot locate you after the 2-minute waiting period, you’ll be charged a no-show penalty of $1.

What do I do if my driver left without me?

Re-book directly in your app, and then send an email explaining what happened to support-smart@ridewithvia.com. You won’t be charged for this ride.

What do the vehicles look like?

All vehicles are branded with SMART Flex’s logo and colors, so they should be easy to spot.

I am a passenger with mobility limitations. Where do I get picked up?

Toggle on "Senior Citizen" or "Rider w/ Disabilities" in the Special Settings section of your profile to unlock rides that pick you up at your exact address.

Are vehicles wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Please let us know you need a WAV when you book your ride by tapping your profile picture or image at the top of the app menu and tapping the Wheelchair toggle to turn it on.

Can I change my destination once I’m on board?

Once you start a ride, the destination cannot be changed. If you have not yet boarded the vehicle, you can cancel the ride and re-book with a new destination.

Can I set a favorite location in the app?

Yes. Tap the Favorites tab in the app menu, then tap Set Home Address or Set Work Address and type in the address of your preferred location.

Can I leave feedback for my driver?

Feel free to fill out the feedback screen in the app after your ride.

How do I reset my password?

Open the app and select Log me in. In the password box, select Forgot your password? and follow the prompts.

I left something in the vehicle — how do I retrieve it?

Please email us at support-smart@ridewithvia.com with a description of the missing item.

Here’s How You Can Start Riding Today

How to create an account:

  1. Search “SMART Flex” in the App Store or Google Play store and tap the download icon.
  2. Open the app, press Sign Up, and enter your personal info.
  3. Enter your credit or debit card info.

Questions? Get in touch:

Email: support-smart@ridewithvia.com

Phone: (734) 212-8429

Download the SMART Flex app to get started:

iOS

Android

How to book a ride:

  1. Enter your pickup address and press Set Pickup. 
  2. Use the SMART Flex app on your smartphone or call (734) 212-8249 to book your ride 
  3. Choose the trip option that’s best for you, then tap Book Ride.
  4. Head to the pick up location
  5. We’ll display your driver’s name, vehicle model, and license plate info to help you locate your ride.

 

Service hours: weekdays 8am-6pm, weekends 9am-5pm

Safety measures SMART Flex is taking to lessen COVID-19 exposure.

SMART Flex is working hard to ensure that every trip you take is as safe and worry-free as possible. Here is what we've put in place:

  • Face masks required. Everyone on board is required to wear a face mask or face covering. Passengers not wearing face masks may be refused service. 
  • Wellness checks. In-app wellness checks help make sure passengers and drivers are symptom-free and ready to ride before they get going. Please stay home if you have either been diagnosed with COVID-19, think you're exhibiting symptons, or have been in contact with someone who has recently tested positive. 
  • Limited vehicle capacity. Vehicle capacity is limited in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Additionally, in vehicles with automatic doors, please wait for the driver to open and close the door to avoid touching the handles. 
  • Regular vehicle cleaning. Vehicles are being professionally cleaned regularly and we've provided drivers with cleaning supplies in order to perform frequent and thorough wipedowns of the vehicle interior, with extra focus on common surfaces and high-contact areas. They're also equipped with plastic partitions between drivers and riders 

Additional Information:
FAQ
Policies

Shuttles

SMART will be making changes to the Groesbeck Flex Route as well as the Oakland Mall and Somerset Mall Shuttles.  These changes are based on the SMART Path Plan – Phase I changes.

You can expect to see the following changes:

  • Groesbeck Flex Route will transition into a Fixed Route.  
  • Oakland Mall and Somerset Mall Shuttles will be converted into a Microtransit service.
  • Quick Connect in Farmington and Farmington Hills will continue to operate as described below.

April service change details to come.

Groesbeck Flex Route Service

The Groesbeck Flex Route service can connect you to destinations not easily accessible by Fixed Route buses. Board a Flex Route Connector bus at any designated bus stop (VerKuilen Building, Macomb Mall, Bel Air Shopping Center and Eight Mile at Van Dyke) or call SMART to make pick-up arrangements anywhere within the service area. Upon boarding, inform the driver of your drop-off location.

  • Monday – Friday
  • 5:00 a.m.- 6:35 p.m.

Oakland Mall Shuttle

The Oakland Mall Shuttle buses are dispatched within 5 to 60 minutes of your call.

  • Monday - Friday
  • 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. - Calls must be made no later than 9:30 a.m.
  • 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Calls must be made no later than 5 p.m.

Somerset Shuttle

Somerset Shuttle Buses are dispatched within 60 minutes of your call.

  • Monday - Friday
  • 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. - Calls must be made no later than 9:30 a.m.
  • 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. - Calls must be made no later than 5 p.m.

Farmington and Farmington Hills Dial-A-Ride is now Quick Connect!

SMART is launching a new service called Quick CONNECT! – replacing the current Dial-A-Ride service.  SMART is partnering with Moovit, an On Demand Transit App, to provide you with a quicker and more convenient way to order/schedule a ride to local businesses, doctor’s appointments, pharmacies, and other needs within Farmington and Farmington Hills area. 

Learn more about the all-new way to schedule your ride.

Farmington and Farmington Hills Connector Service

SMART has Connector service available in Farmington and Farmington Hill to connect you to popular destinations in Novi and Livonia. It is an advanced reservation service - 6 days advance reservation recommended for medical appointments; 2 days for everything else. 

  • Monday - Friday
  • 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Advance reservations only

 

2020 November and December Events in Metro Detroit

Wyandotte Christmas Parade
This annual procession features 90 floats full of festive holiday cheer.
Nov. 16, 2019

  • Address: Downtown Wyandotte area
  • Phone: 734-324-7283
  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Cost: Free

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak
Get festive and take in twinkling light displays on the zoo’s trees, buildings and 265 animal sculptures.
Nov. 16, 2019-Jan. 5, 2020 (select days)

  • Address: Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
  • Phone: 248-541-5717
  • Time: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and select Sundays, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
  • Cost: $11-$18/general, $8/parking

Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition
See artwork by 60-plus artists at this third annual juried art event.
Nov. 21-22, 2019

  • Address: Royal Oak Farmer’s Market, 316 E. Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak
  • Time: Noon-10 p.m. daily
  • Phone: 248-246-3276
  • Cost: Free/admission

Wayne County Lightfest
Drive through this family-favorite to check out some 50 giant animated lighted holiday displays.
Nov. 21-Dec. 31, 2019

  • Address: Merriman Road between Warren Ave. and Ann Arbor Trail, Westland
  • Time: 7-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 6-10 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, closed on Christmas Day
  • Phone: 734-261-1990
  • Cost: $5/vehicle, $8/photos with Santa

Lighted Christmas Parade in Allen Park
Floats and performers brightly lit for the holidays make their way through the downtown area.
Nov. 22, 2018

  • Address: Downtown Allen Park area
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Phone: 313-928-1400
  • Cost: Free

Holiday Lighted Parade in Northville
Twinkling lights are not only on the streets but also in them at this downtown Northville community favorite.
Nov. 22, 2019

  • Address: Downtown Northville area
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Phone: 248-349-7640
  • Cost: Free

Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees at Rochester Community House
Tons of 4-feet, 6-feet and even 7-feet-tall trees are festively decorated for families to explore. There’s live entertainment, kids’ activities and visits with Santa, too.
Nov. 23-24, 2019

  • Address: Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow Ave., Rochester
  • Phone: 248-656-0060
  • Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
  • Cost: Free

List of 2020 Nov/Dec Events

Wyandotte Christmas Parade
This annual procession features 90 floats full of festive holiday cheer.
Nov. 16, 2019

  • Address: Downtown Wyandotte area
  • Phone: 734-324-7283
  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Cost: Free

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak
Get festive and take in twinkling light displays on the zoo’s trees, buildings and 265 animal sculptures.
Nov. 16, 2019-Jan. 5, 2020 (select days)

  • Address: Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
  • Phone: 248-541-5717
  • Time: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and select Sundays, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
  • Cost: $11-$18/general, $8/parking

Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition
See artwork by 60-plus artists at this third annual juried art event.
Nov. 21-22, 2019

  • Address: Royal Oak Farmer’s Market, 316 E. Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak
  • Time: Noon-10 p.m. daily
  • Phone: 248-246-3276
  • Cost: Free/admission

Wayne County Lightfest
Drive through this family-favorite to check out some 50 giant animated lighted holiday displays.
Nov. 21-Dec. 31, 2019

  • Address: Merriman Road between Warren Ave. and Ann Arbor Trail, Westland
  • Time: 7-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 6-10 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, closed on Christmas Day
  • Phone: 734-261-1990
  • Cost: $5/vehicle, $8/photos with Santa

Lighted Christmas Parade in Allen Park
Floats and performers brightly lit for the holidays make their way through the downtown area.
Nov. 22, 2018

  • Address: Downtown Allen Park area
  • Time: 6 p.m.
  • Phone: 313-928-1400
  • Cost: Free

Holiday Lighted Parade in Northville
Twinkling lights are not only on the streets but also in them at this downtown Northville community favorite.
Nov. 22, 2019

  • Address: Downtown Northville area
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Phone: 248-349-7640
  • Cost: Free

Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees at Rochester Community House
Tons of 4-feet, 6-feet and even 7-feet-tall trees are festively decorated for families to explore. There’s live entertainment, kids’ activities and visits with Santa, too.
Nov. 23-24, 2019

  • Address: Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow Ave., Rochester
  • Phone: 248-656-0060
  • Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
  • Cost: Free

FTA Thanks the Transit Industry for COVID-19 Response

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