Mayor Abdullah Hammoud | Mayor Abdullah Hammoud Official Website
Mayor Abdullah Hammoud | Mayor Abdullah Hammoud Official Website
The City of Dearborn announced a new partnership with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) to subsidize all SMART Flex rides in Dearborn at no extra cost to local taxpayers. Under the pilot program, SMART Flex rides that begin and end in Dearborn cost only $1, rather than the $2-8 rate that is typically charged for the same service in other area communities.
Dearborn is the first community in Southeast Michigan to subsidize rides through the SMART Flex program. The pilot is funded by grant award funds.
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud stated, “Public transit in our region only goes so far. My administration is committed to eliminating barriers to public transit in our community, which is why we’re taking a monumental step to help cover the ‘last mile’ through SMART Flex.”
The SMART Flex service offers shared rides in several Metro Detroit communities, including Dearborn, through Via Transportation, a global public mobility solutions organization. As opposed to commercial ride-sharing applications, these vehicles promote usage of combined regional transit options like SMART fixed bus routes to connect riders to their destinations.
Dwight Ferrell, General Manager of SMART, stated, “We are pleased to be working with Mayor Hammoud and the City of Dearborn in supporting their efforts to provide greater access with an affordable way to get around. This program complements the SMART Fixed Route, and paratransit services that currently operate in Dearborn helping people get to the places they need to go.”
Riders that have questions about the service may contact Support-SMART@ridewithvia.com or call 734-212-8429.
Mayor Hammoud added, “There are countless advantages of being a Dearborn resident, including that, now, anyone in our city can get to work or school, the doctor’s office or the store, or book a trip to enjoy art, museums, culture, and recreation in our city for just $1.”
More information about SMART Flex can be found at SMARTBus.org/Services/Flex-Services.
Original source can be found here.
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