REMINDER: DDOT and SMART to resume fare collection Monday, March 15

DETROIT – Beginning Monday, March 15, the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and SMART will resume fare collection and increase rider capacity.

Extensive safety modifications were put into place to protect operators and passengers while on the coach. Riders should expect to see the resumption of front-door boarding, barriers separating operators and riders, hand sanitizing machines, and visual social distancing cues.

Riders on both transit systems are required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose, per a federal mask mandate that went into effect earlier this year; masks will also be required at bus stops and in transportation buildings. Riders must remain six feet from the operator at all times, and are encouraged to use provided hand sanitizer as they board the coach prior to paying their fare.

Last March, both transit agencies suspended fare collection to limit exposure between coach operators and riders in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. Immediately thereafter, DDOT and SMART started implementing safety measures to protect coach operators and riders. In late 2020, DDOT began installing permanent state-of-the-art barriers next to the operator’s seat to separate and reduce air exchange between operators and passengers. SMART is in the process of replacing the temporary shields installed and upgrading to the permanent barriers.

DDOT also began an operator vaccination program in January, while SMART has also started providing operators with vaccines in February. Both organizations are using federal funding for implementing these safety measures, and to supplement loss of revenue now and through the pandemic.

A consistent, maximum occupancy on the buses of 20 passengers for standard buses and 26 passengers on an articulated bus will be enforced on both transit systems. The number is based on scientific analysis led by the City of Detroit Health Department.

Bus passes are now for sale in all locations. Dart Regional Passes can be purchased via the DART app; more info can be found at paywithdart.org. Along with Dart Regional Passes, DDOT and SMART passes can be purchased in person at the following locations: Rosa Parks Transit Center, 360 Michigan Avenue; SMART Downtown Transit Center, Buhl Building, 535 Griswold Street; and at the Royal Oak Transit Center, 202 Sherman Drive. Passes can also be purchased online at smartbus.org.

For questions, comments or concerns, DDOT customers are encouraged to call Customer Service at (313) 933-1300, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The SMART Customer Care Center can be reached at 866-962-5515, Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

About DDOT

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is the largest public transit provider in Michigan that serves the City of Detroit, surrounding suburbs, and neighboring cities, including Highland Park and Hamtramck. DDOT prides itself on providing reliable, clean, safe, and efficient service to an average of 85,000 riders daily. For routes and fare information, visit ridedetroittransit.com.

About SMART

Serving residents since 1967, SMART is southeast Michigan’s regional public transportation provider, offering convenient, reliable and safe transportation for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. SMART Fixed Route and paratransit bus services connect people to employment and educational institutions, medical appointments and shopping centers. For routes and fare information, and COVID-19 Updates, visit smartbus.org.