SMART’s new Frequent Affordable Safe Transit bus service along Michigan Avenue includes six stops in Dearborn.
Downtown-Detroit-to-airport service free Jan. 1-15
DEARBORN – The public has a new way to travel not only to downtown Detroit and Detroit Metropolitan Airport, but also to stops along Michigan Avenue, because of a new service offered by SMART.
SMART’s new Frequent Affordable Safe Transit bus lines, including along Michigan Avenue with six stops in Dearborn, start Jan. 1.
Customers can try them for free from Jan. 1 to 15. After the two-week introductory offer, fares will reflect SMART’s regular service rate of $2 one way, with transfers costing 25 cents.
FAST is the new high frequency, limited-stop bus service connecting the suburbs to downtown Detroit and a direct connection to Metro Airport. This is the first time the buses have connected to the airport.
The Dearborn stops on Michigan Avenue are at Outer Drive, Mason Street, the John Dingell Transit Center at Elm Street, Greenfield Road, Schaefer Road, and Wyoming Avenue.
A map of the Michigan Avenue stops, can be found here.
The new service will be available seven days a week. FAST buses along Michigan Avenue are scheduled to run every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to midnight.
The other two FAST bus lines are FAST Gratiot and FAST Woodward.
All FAST buses will be distinguished from the current fleet of SMART buses by their red, blue and green colors with the FAST logo prominently displayed. Free WiFi also will be available aboard FAST buses.
While limited-stop service is not new to SMART or transit, higher frequency combined with stops located about every mile translates to a quicker commute.
Riders are only able to board and deboard at the official FAST stations designated with a new FAST sign. Local routes can be used to transfer riders to a FAST station or in-between bus stops.
SMART Customer Service representatives will be on hand to answer questions with special New Year’s Day hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 1. Contact Customer Service at 866-962-5515. Customer Service will resume its regular weekday hours on Jan. 2 from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
Additional information about SMART and FAST routes and schedules can be found at www.smartbus.org.