On-demand shared transit service launched in Detroit suburbs

Residents of Farmington and Farmington Hills near Detroit, Michigan, can make use of a new mobility service that aims to improve bus transportation to fill in transit gaps in the areas that need it most.

The shared micro-transit shuttle service is provided by Smart Bus in partnership with mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) solutions provider Moovit app’s On-Demand service.

Free rides during the pandemic

To launch the partnership, Smart Bus will operate this service on weekdays from 6am to 6pm and offer free rides until further notice due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bus riders will be able to use the free Moovit iOS and Android app to plan their journeys and book their trip on the Smart Quick Connect On-Demand service. The dynamically routed transit system automatically assigns multiple passengers heading in the same direction to a shared vehicle.

Smart currently operates a Dial-a-ride service in Farmington and Farmington Hills, which uses a phone-based request and dispatching system that results in relatively long wait times for a ride.

“We are always looking for ways to improve service, meet the increasing demand for transit as well as address the challenges the pandemic has imposed”

As a way to modernise the service, provide more and easier access to requesting a ride and tracking the bus, and reduce the amount of time a rider waits, Smart is partnering with Moovit to bring more convenient mobility to people who need it most.

“Smart is taking a big step by modernising the Dial-a-ride service in Farmington and Farmington Hills and is now able to offer quick, convenient and more a reliable way to ride around their community,” said Robert Cramer, deputy general manager of Smart.

He added: “We are always looking for ways to improve service, meet the increasing demand for transit as well as address the challenges the pandemic has imposed. Partnering with Moovit and offering the On-Demand feature to riders allows us to address all of these issues with one application, while also developing new and innovative ways to deliver better services with our existing resources.”

“We are excited to partner with Smart Bus and power this new mobility offering for Farmington and Farmington Hills residents for greater access to transit and shorter wait times,” added Yovav Meydad, chief growth and marketing officer, Moovit.

“Complementary to traditional modes of transportation, Moovit On-Demand can help residents get around efficiently without the need of a private vehicle.”

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