Folks, 

Now that we have an 11th district that brings Oakland County together, it’s a ripe opportunity to talk about regional transit and what our area needs to succeed.

Last Friday, I took the bus from Pontiac to Ferndale and back and learned so much along the way. SMART Bus provides safe, accessible, and affordable ways to commute throughout SE Michigan. 

Last year, I helped pass an infrastructure bill that will afford the largest investment ever in public transportation – resources so needed for better buses, personnel, and promotional efforts. 

Riding down Woodward right by my childhood home in Birmingham and through towns that anchor SE Oakland County was so carefree, safe, and easy to do; it was frankly transformational for me as a policy maker.

Growing up, we didn’t have the SMART stops we do today and we still need more (i.e Bloomfield Hills because everyone should be able to access Cranbrook on Woodward by public transportation.)

The smart flex van which is the same cost as a bus ticket will pick you up and drop you off within zone. And people can take flex to the bus stop, or work, or to see a friend!

You can download flex through an app on your phone. People can connect to jobs, reclaim time being hands free and our region can continue to have an economy accessible to everyone.

It’s about equity and inclusion. And now that I am officially a bus rider enthusiast, I will be doing more rides with Haley particularly as we campaign because it’s just so darn fun and productive. What a great way to kick off Regional Transit Appreciation Month.

Thanks to my friends at SMART for organizing and participating: Madonna Van Fossen, SMART Oakland County Ombudsman; Dwight Ferrell, General Manager, SMART; Robert Cramer, Deputy General Manager, SMART.

You are all a top notch team ready to provide information and ideas.

– Haley