$1 Million in Bus Stop Improvements Coming to SMART Thanks to Transportation Grant Presented by SEMCOG
(SEMCOG, Jan 23, 2026)
Michigan – SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, has awarded $1,000,000 in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding to the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), to improve pedestrian and bicycle access to transit by enhancing and installing up to 50 bus stops, new bus shelters, and ADA-accessible elements.
SEMCOG’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a competitive program that distributes approximately $10 million in federal funding to local transportation projects each fiscal year. Eligible projects include shared-use path and sidewalk modernization, pedestrian safety improvements, new sidewalks, and Complete Streets amenities that increase usability.
A ceremonial check presentation was made to the SMART Board on January 22 to celebrate this project.
“This partnership with SEMCOG exemplifies what we can accomplish when we work together toward a common goal,” said Tiffany J. Gunter, SMART General Manager and CEO. “When regional leaders unite around improving transit accessibility, we create real, meaningful change for the communities we serve. This investment will directly enhance the experience of our riders across Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. It’s what our riders deserve, and we believe that collaboration is key to building the kind of connected, accessible transit system our region is asking for,” Gunter said.
“TAP is an important funding program for making connections in our communities,” said Amy O’Leary, Executive Director, SEMCOG. “It can be constructing trails, working on streetscapes, sidewalks, but it also can be transit, and that’s why we’re here today. Over the past 17 years, we’ve invested $120 million for this program for 185 projects. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have the support from our Congressional representatives, and SMART, you have a lot of them: Lisa McClain, Haley Stevens, Debbie Dingell, Rashida Tlaib, John James, and Shri Thanedar. All of them are very supportive of transportation, and the reauthorization of this program. I also want to thank Senator Slotkins and Peters,” O’Leary said.
“This investment shows what’s possible when our region works together,” said Rashida Tlaib, U.S. Congresswoman. “By improving bus stops and sidewalks across Wayne and Oakland Counties, we’re making transit safer, more accessible, and more reliable for the people who depend on it every day. These are important improvements that connect our residents to jobs, education, and health care. This $1 million investment will also help ensure our bus stops meet ADA standards and better serve pedestrians, cyclists, seniors, and people with disabilities,” Tlaib said.
“Our office is proud to have helped secure federal dollars to improve transportation here in Wayne County,” said Shri Thanedar, U.S. Congressman. “This crucial funding will modernize bus travel, enhance sidewalks, and make life more accessible for local residents,” Thanedar said.
Project highlights:
SEMCOG’s Regional Review Committee approved the project based on its promotion of safe, holistic, and significant outcomes to transportation safety.
Awards $1,000,000 in federal funding from SEMCOG’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for SMART to install bus stops, new bus shelters, improved sidewalks, and concrete pads throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties.
Improves accessibility to fixed-route transit, giving more people reliable transportation options to get to jobs, health care facilities, grocery stores, parks, schools, and libraries.
Ensures compliance with ADA standards through the installation of bus stop improvements.
Pictured: Left to right: Sammy Hassan, Office of U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar; Mackenzie Gabriel-Lazette, Field Representative, Office of Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; Hassan Sheikh, Regional Manager, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin; Amy O’Leary, Executive Director, SEMCOG; Tiffany Gunter, General Manager and CEO, SMART; Alec Hughes, Regional Coordinator, U.S. Senator Gary Peters, ; Phil Rhode, District Director, Office of U.S. Representative John James; John Paul Rea, SMART Board Chairperson, Deputy Macomb County Executive; Toni Dunbar, District Directo, Office of U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib; Muhammed Smidi, District Director, Office of U.S. Congresswoman Lisa McClain.
