Politics & Government

SMART Connector Buses Start Running on Monday

Dial-A-Ride service will be available within Farmington and Farmington Hills, and a connector will take riders to select Novi and Livonia locations.

Starting Monday, Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) will introduce its new Dial-A-Ride service in Farmington and Farmington Hills.

SMART officials promised the service after both and city councils came close to opting out of the authority. an opt out resolution in January. Farmington officials that same month, but on Jan. 30, based in part on the Dial-A-Ride offer. 

The same-day service will use smaller SMART buses in both communities, operating Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Dial-A-Ride cash-only fares are $2, or $1 for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. 

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Local riders may also use SMART's Connector service to some locations outside of the authority's service area, with advance reservations and as capacity allows. The service is "curb-to-curb" for these destinations:

  • Secretary of State Office, Livonia
  • University of Phoenix, Livonia Campus
  • Schoolcraft College, Livonia
  • St. Mercy Hospital, Livonia
  • Walsh College, Livonia Campus
  • , Novi
  • , Novi
  • , Novi

Fares for Connector service are $4 for persons 6 years to 64 years of age and $1 for seniors and people with disabilities.

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

SMART spokesperson Beth Gibbons said riders to these destinations must provide proof of residency before boarding the bus. A driver's license, state identification card or other document with an address on it will be accepted, she said. 

Gibbons also noted that the Connector service is not guaranteed. "It depends on how everything comes in," she said. "There are three buses dedicated to this ... They're going to do as much as they can and accommodate everybody they can. It's so personalized... everybody may not be able to get a ride if the buses are already booked." 

For Dial-A-Ride and Connector service information, call 866-962-5515. Route maps and other information about SMART can be found online at smartbus.org.


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