SMART Uses $20.5 Million In ARRA Funds to Improve Customer Services
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. On Thursday, August 20, 2009 the Federal Transit Administration approved $54.8 million in grants for transit agencies across the State of Michigan.
ARRA funds are eligible for capital expenses, with the exception of ten percent, which the federal government has approved for operating costs. 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.
“SMART is excited to have the opportunity to improve our service for our customers,” explained SMART Interim General Manager Steve Brown. “Because of this funding, SMART is able to make improvements to our fleet that we would otherwise be unable to achieve due to the current challenging financial climate. We appreciate the support and assistance from our federal government and what it will mean to our riders and region.”
SMART will be using ARRA stimulus funds for the following projects:
Purchase of alternative fuel buses: SMART will purchase alternative fuel coaches for testing prior to a fleet-wide replacement of fixed route coaches. SMART’s 284 low-floor Gillig fixed route buses will be eligible for replacement beginning in 2014. Alternative fuel vehicles will ensure SMART’s commitment to environmental quality.
Intelligent Transportation System Enhancements (ITS): An upgrade to SMART’s current ITS system will allow for additional amenities to be extended to customers for information, security and improved passenger service.
o Automatic Vehicle Location/Computer Aided Dispatch System(AVL/CAD): An AVL/CAD system upgrade will monitor and track the fleet of SMART buses using satellite system and integrate the following technologies:
o Real Time Arrival Information Systems: The new AVL system will enable SMART to notify passengers of the next bus arrival via electronic signage at key stops. Passengers can also track the location of SMART buses on their hand-held PDA and mobile devices.
o Digital Voice Announcers and Automatic Destination Signs: New signs will automatically change by vehicle location via the AVL system and include digital voice announcers, automated passenger counters and security cameras.
New Fare Boxes: Updated fareboxes will allow customers use smart card technology, pay fares with major credit cards and receive electronic change when customer does not have exact change.
Fixed Route Amenities: Improved bus stop amenities include construction of walkways and pads to bus stops and add shelters to increase the accessibility of the system for persons with disabilities, add customer information at bus stops to make user friendly and encourage the use of public transportation.
The $20.5 million is part of AARA-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.
SMART has sought funding support from all available grant programs and state and federal sources. In February, SMART received $3.9 million from the Omnibus Authorization Bill to repower buses. The repowering project is an engine replacement program due to engine failures that have plagued SMART for the past 5 years. The repowering program will save SMART $29 million in maintenance costs while extending the vehicle life an additional two years.
SMART is southeast Michigan’s only regional transit system, operating bus service in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. With more than 75,000 businesses and 1.3 million jobs located within four blocks of a SMART bus route, SMART is an accessible and convenient way to travel.
SMART is recognized nationally as an innovator in community based service for its unique partnerships with 75 communities. SMART is posting record ridership with nearly 13 million passengers using the service annually. For more information, call the toll free Customer Information number at 866-962-5515 of visit www.smartbus.org.
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