Farmington Hills Council to Discuss SMART Options Tonight

Farmington Hills city council members will discuss options for public transportation during their regular meeting, held today at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers at . 

Officials have until the end of the month to decide whether to stay with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) system or strike out on their own. If officials want to opt out of SMART, they have to pass a resolution by Jan. 31.

No resolution is required if they decide to remain with the regional system.

According to information provided in tonight's council agenda packet, which is attached to this post, SMART currently operates five bus routes in Farmington Hills and park and ride service at and  Family Skating Center. SMART also funds about two-thirds of the cost for service the city provides to seniors and people with disabilities. 

The agenda packet includes a proposal for a city-operated system with the following services: 

• Senior/handicapped curb-to-curb: 10 buses operating Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Cost is $2 ($4 round trip). Additional fees may apply for destinations outside the city. 
• Dial-a-ride: Curb-to-curb service anywhere within city limits, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Cost is $2 ($4 round trip).
• Park and ride: Two locations, with bus service provided to downtown Detroit. Departures Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-8:30 a.m., returns 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Cost $2.50 ($5 round trip). 
• Youth transportation to city-sponsored after school program, outings, and summer field trips. Provided at no cost to riders.

The operating budget for the proposed system is $1,064,546, plus an estimated $841,500 in capital costs. Officials anticipate annual revenues of $262,072.

The SMART .59 property tax millage, which expires in December of this year, nets $1,937,432 in Farmington Hills. 

Farmington officials voted Jan. 17 to  and have not yet developed a plan for alternate service. 

In addition to the SMART discussion, the Hills council will hold a public hearing on a proposed housing development south of Nine Mile Rd., between Halsted and I-275. The plan includes 54 homes on a 30-acre parcel, connecting Meadowbrook Forest East and Meadowhills Estates subdivisions. 

Officials will also consider awarding a bid for police motorcycles, signing a concessions agreement for the and passing a resolution supporting a Millennial Vision for Metro Detroit, among other agenda items. There's also time allowed for public comment on any issue.