SMART Bus Services Impacted by COVID
(SMART, Jan. 9, 2022)
Due to the spread of the omicron variant and Covid, SMART bus service is being significantly impacted forcing the agency to cut trips when there is no bus operator available. As a result, approximately 20 – 25 percent of the current service has been cancelled or delayed on a daily basis. While SMART staff is updating daily service cuts/changes to its real time arrival system they are also working to make changes to the existing bus schedule. By scaling back service levels, riders will be assured of more reliable service to get to work or to other important destinations.
In the meantime, SMART asks that all riders check a realtime arrival app, such as Transit app, for trip information and to be patient with the bus operators working hard to ensure that everyone get to their destinations safely.
Since the pandemic began, SMART has worked to maintain its bus service to ensure that people are able to get to work, school, grocery, pharmacy and other essential destinations safely. However, the worker shortage has left SMART down approximately 80 bus operators and is only able to operate about 75 percent of pre-pandemic service level. We need to work together to keep each other safe. SMART asks if you feel sick, or experience any flu, allergy or cold-like symptoms, please stay home. As required by the Federal Transit Administration, a mask is required for the entire duration of your trip. Do not eat or drink while on the bus or participate in any other activity that requires the removal of your mask.
Be patient with each other and our bus operators!
For more information, visit www.smartbus.org. Call Customer Care at (866) 962-5515 with new extended hours from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. weekdays, Saturday and Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.