SMART Flex Service Has On Demand Transit in Pontiac, Auburn Hills, and Troy
(SMART, Dec. 21, 2021)
Auburn Hills, Troy, Pontiac, MI – Earlier this year, SMART, in partnership with Via, the leader in TransitTech, announced a first-of-its-kind mobility solution for Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties that transforms the way residents are able to access public transit. In Oakland County this means travelers in Auburn Hills, Troy, and Pontiac can use the service.
SMART Flex is an on-demand public transit service which complements and extends the reach of convenient service within the existing transit system in the region. Cities across the globe like Berlin, Miami, and Seattle rely on digitally-enabled transit solutions to create flexible, equitable, and resilient public transportation networks.
SMART Flex is the Authority’s first venture into microtransit, and will strengthen a comprehensive transit network across the region by encouraging first-and-last mile connections to existing bus routes including SMART’s successful FAST service.
Using the SMART Flex mobile app, anyone within the zones, including residents and workers in Dearborn, Pontiac/Auburn Hills, Troy, and the Hall Road corridor between Utica and New Baltimore will be able to hail a vehicle directly from their smartphone or by calling the call center at (734) 212-8429.
Via’s advanced algorithms create quick and efficient trips by matching passengers and vehicles together in real time, and directing riders to a nearby “virtual bus stop” for pick up and drop off. The service will offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and offer door-to-door service for those with limited mobility.
SMART Flex offers microtransit trips from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Rides start at $2, with a maximum price of $8, depending on distance. Valid SMART and Dart passes can be used as payment for a ride on Flex as well as credit card. The SMART Flex app is available in English and Arabic and can be downloaded from the App store and Google Play.
When a rider combines both SMART fixed route service and SMART Flex to complete their trip, the first $2 of the ride are included as part of the fixed route total fare – providing more convenient service as part of a fixed route trip.
MORE INFO: https://www.smartbus.org/About/News/ArtMID/707/ArticleID/446/preview/true/SMART-Flex
About SMART: Serving residents since 1967, SMART is southeast Michigan’s regional public transportation provider, offering convenient, reliable and safe transportation for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. SMART fixed route, small bus and the new Flex on-demand services connect people to employment and educational institutions, medical appointments and shopping centers. For routes and fare information, and COVID-19 Updates, visit http://www.smartbus.org.