SMART Provides Direct Bus Service to ITT Tech Campus

April 7, 2009, TROY, MI  – SMART is offering direct bus service to students of the ITT Technical Institute in Troy. The new service will provide an accessible, convenient alternative for students seeking an economical mode of transportation. SMART currently provides bus service to 18 colleges and university campuses in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

“The partnership between SMART and ITT Tech is a great example of how we work to respond to the needs of college students,” said SMART General Manager Hayes W. Jones. SMART riders can save up to $1,400 a year on gas, plus additional savings on maintenance and parking.

Students can begin using Route 495-John R for trips to the campus located on Big Beaver Road in Troy on Tuesday, April 7, 2009. The new service is the result of a survey administered by ITT Tech to identify student issues. More than 30% of students noted public transportation as a concern.

SMART worked with ITT Tech officials to develop a proposal that would be cost effective and meet the needs of students.  It was determined that Route 495 John R accommodated most students and provides direct access to the campus weekdays, evenings and weekends. SMART Route 495 John R will be extended to serve ITT Tech three times per day to coincide with class times.

“We recognize that the rising cost of fuel and hard economic times have affected everyone,” said Jim Pfaff, Director of ITT Tech. “SMART is another option our students have as a way to get to class.”

ITT Technical Institute is a leading private college system focused on technology-oriented programs of study. There are schools in more than 30 states providing career-focused degree programs in Information Technology, Drafting and Design, Electronics Technology, Business, Criminal Justice, and Health Sciences.  ITT Technical Institute’s Troy campus currently has more than 1,000 students enrolled.  

SMART is southeast Michigan’s only regional transit system serving Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. 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, go to www.smartbus.org or call 866-962-5515.