Another update on this one from the local media. This one focuses on the Michigan route to the airport:
With the RTA having to phase out the RefleX limited-stop bus service, SMART will take over and continue to release new details on the three new lines. This will be SMART's first major expansion of service in years. Most notably is the Michigan Avenue route, which will be the first limited-stop, direct-connection to the airport. SMART will also have a special branding for these three new services.
Quote:
New bus service will get you to Metro Airport from downtown in 1 hour
By Eric D. Lawrence | Detroit Free Press
December 1, 2017
The limited-stop bus service planned for launch in January by the Detroit area's suburban bus system should provide a direct connection to Detroit Metro Airport from downtown in about one hour.
The new Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation service, which would run on Woodward, Gratiot and Michigan avenues, would also provide more frequent buses than RefleX, the limited-stop service it is slated to replace. But the direct connection from downtown to the airport in a limited-stop format marks a significant improvement over current public transit offerings.
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As was said when this was first announced a few weeks ago, this will actually be a huge improvement over RefleX, which itself was a fairly popular service. RefleX, although it has proven to be popular, actually has low frequency with buses running only every 45 minutes even during peak service. These new SMART routes will have frequencies as low as 15 minutes peak on Woodward and Gratiot, and 30 minutes peak on Michigan Avenue.
This is really kind of exciting. Between this and DDOT adding back tons of service since the massive cuts the city made during bankruptcy, Detroit might have a solid, regional bus system just yet. And if the region can ever get that millage base for the RTA - it very, very narrowly failed last year - then it's assured. Speaking of which, the RTA is still trying to decide if they want to put the millage back on the ballot during next year's election. Even absent of that, maybe they can get frequencies down to 10 minutes or below during peak.
The new service starts on January 1st.
I'm very proud that even absent regional funding or even new local funding, that the City of Detroit has made DDOT one its top service priorities, and that SMART finally seems to recognize that it's routes connecting the cities and suburbs should be their priority.