Detroit transit receives $20.5M in ARRA funds
The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation will utilize the funding for several capital projects, including the purchase of three 40-foot alternative-fuel buses, an automatic vehicle locator system (AVL) and communications equipment.
The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) will receive more than $20.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funds that will be used to improve customer service.
Last Thursday, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved $54.8 million in grants for transit agencies across the state of Michigan.
SMART will utilize the ARRA grant funding for several capital projects, including the purchase of three 40-foot alternative-fuel buses, one articulated alternative-fuel bus, 56 connector fleet vehicles, an automatic vehicle locator system (AVL), new fareboxes and communications equipment. Along with the capital projects, SMART is using the fully allotted 10 percent of the funding to assist with operations.
The $20.5 million is part of ARRA-funded road and transit projects for Southeast Michigan approved by local elected leaders working through SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. “Together, all of these projects should result in more than 4,000 new jobs in Southeast Michigan,” said Carmine Palombo, SEMCOG director of transportation programs.
More Bus
Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters
The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.
Read More →
Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →
When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.
Read More →
Photo Highlights from APTA's 2026 Mobility Conference
The photo gallery captures scenes from the conference, including the International Bus Roadeo, exhibit hall activities, the Bus Showcase, and much more.
Read More →
Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin
Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Approves Annual Transit Service Plan
Between 2021 and 2024, SEPTA held more than 200 public meetings — including 144 in-person sessions — throughout the SEPTA service region.
Read More →
A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →
WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign
The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.
Read More →