[nfbmi-talk] More Positive Transit Developments for Detroit and Ann arbor

[J.J. Meddaugh]

Two nice pieces of transit news.
First, Indian Trails and UofM are expanding the Detroit Connector bus to 
7 days a week and opening it up to the public. This provides a way to 
get from Ann Arbor to Dearborn to Detroit.

Also, SMART is working on new express routes down Woodward, Gratiot, and 
Michigan that would make limited stops. Yes we've heard this before, but 
they are talking about public meetings in November and starting service 
in January. These would be higher frequency than RefleX. Will definitely 
be something to keep an eye on.

Both relevant articles are below.

 From the Freep:
University of Michigan's Detroit Connector to offer daily Detroit-to-Ann 
Arbor bus service
Perry A. Farrell, Detroit Free Press

The Detroit Connector, a University of Michigan bus service connecting 
the Ann Arbor campus to Detroit, will begin providing service seven days 
a week, starting Oct. 30.
For the first time, the service will be available to the general public 
as well as U-M faculty, staff and students.
Previously, Detroit Connector service was offered four days a week.
Bus stops will include the Central Campus Transit Center (CCTC) in Ann 
Arbor, University of Michigan-Dearborn, and University of Michigan 
Detroit Center, according to a news release issued Monday.
The Detroit Connector schedule will include expanded service hours, with 
Fridays and Saturdays beginning as early as 7 a.m. and ending at 1 a.m. 
The new schedule is available at detroitconnector.umich.edu/schedule.
Riders now will able to make reservations online, with one-way trips 
ranging between $6 and $10. Pell Grant students from U-M will be able to 
ride the connector for free, with reduced fares available to U-M 
students and faculty who engage in community service or class activities 
in Detroit.
“The University of Michigan is deeply committed to creating a more 
diverse, equitable and inclusive campus environment,” said Robert 
Sellers, vice provost for equity & inclusion and chief diversity 
officer, in a written statement.
“The Detroit Connector helps us break down existing barriers and better 
connect the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Detroit communities. By expanding 
service and opening it to the public, the Detroit Connector can improve 
access to the region’s numerous research, academic and cultural 
opportunities.”
The Detroit Connector launched in the fall of 2013, and operated on 
grants, donations and funding by the Office of Diversity, Equity & 
Inclusion and Detroit Center.
Indian Trails, the Detroit Connector’s bus provider since 2014, will 
shift daily operations to its Michigan Flyer division, which currently 
supports a similar service, called AirRide, between Ann Arbor and 
Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

And from SMART:

As the regional bus provider for southeast Michigan, SMART is committed 
to improve service to better meet the needs of the residents of 
southeast Michigan.
SMART criteria for service development:
• Frequent – Increase frequency so riders have freedom and flexibility 
of using the service, connecting to other routes and maintain or improve 
local bus service
• Affordable – Maintain rider fares, the existing millage rate and 
continue to invest in needed capital projects without additional funding
• Safe – Add shelter improvements, amenities and technology to improve 
safety and security
• Sustainable – participate in the development and growth of new 
technology and connect our enhanced services with all mobility options; 
nurture partnerships with various mobility groups including, but not 
limited to: LYFT, UBER, SPLT, MOGO Bike Share, Ford Mobility, MDOT, etc.
Proposed New Service
As part of our commitment to regional mobility, SMART is proposing a 
new, high frequency, limited stop service in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne 
counties for better access to jobs, school, medical facilities, higher 
education, and entertainment destinations.
What we’re working on so far:
• New regional service along Gratiot, Woodward, and Michigan Avenues
• High frequency service all day (15 to 30 minutes)
• Lower frequencies during late-night/early-morning hours
• Limited stops (approximately every 1 to 2 miles) for quicker trips
• Ride the service 7 days per week
• SMART will host public hearings in November to get input from residents
• Happy New Year!  Service targeted to begin Monday, January 1, 2018
More information will be coming soon!
Any comments, suggestions or questions can be emailed to: 
publichearing at smartbus.org
Technology Improvements
SMART will invest in technology to improve the customer experience by:
• Providing onboard Wi-Fi service
• Equipping buses with the latest connected vehicle technology systems 
to communicate with other connected vehicles and intersections
Funding
SMART maintains a balanced budget and has been a good steward of 
taxpayer dollars.
• New service and corresponding improvements without additional funding.
• As promised during the millage election in 2014, SMART has nearly 
completed its purchase of new vehicles to replace its aging fleet.
• The last group buses will be ordered by the end of 2017.
• With the completion of the new bus purchases, SMART is able to free up 
dollars needed to invest in improved service and continue investments in 
needed capital projects.
• All amenities are funded with Grant dollars.
• Cost of the service improvements are proportionally balanced based on 
the millage collections from each County, as required.
To ensure you get the latest updates, become a MySMART member for email 
notices and alerts or like us on Facebook.

Article links:
Freep
http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2017/10/23/detroit-connector-bus-service/791303001/

SMART
https://www.smartbus.org/About/News/ArtMID/707/ArticleID/252/Get-Ready