Detroit / Michigan / United States
SMART is the suburban transit system for southeast Michigan providing 11 million rides annually for commuters, entry-level workers, senior citizens and people with disabilities. The SMART Community Partnership Program was established after the success of the 1995 millage. It is nationally recognized for innovation in public transportation. By enabling communities or groups to partner with SMART, they share the responsibility of operating efficient transportation to match their unique needs. Some communities cater mostly to their seniors. Other locations have incorporated their programs into parks and recreation departments, provide service to the disabled or are run by a local EMS. The main ingredient of these successful community pairings is the ability to provide flexible service and assistance from both sides on a shoestring budget. SMART has provided vans, buses, scheduling software, maintenance and/or a simple but experienced helping hand.
