SMART zeroes out fares for every Election Day rider across three counties

SMART will charge zero dollars for every ride across its entire network on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The fare waiver covers all services in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties for the full day.

The free access extends to fixed-route buses, which operate on established schedules and include wheelchair accessibility and bike racks. It also covers Connector Services and ADA Paratransit, both of which require advance reservations. SMART Flex, a rideshare-style service, will also be free in designated zones including Dearborn, Troy, Clawson, Auburn Hills, Pontiac, the Hall Road corridor, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and Northern Macomb.

Tiffany J. Gunter, general manager and CEO of SMART, stated that transportation should not prevent residents from voting. "Election Day is a day when every resident should have the opportunity to participate, and transportation shouldn’t stand in the way," Gunter said. She added that the move ensures every resident has a reliable method to reach the polls.

Riders using Connector Services or ADA Paratransit must call 866-962-5515 and select option 1 to reserve a trip. Those using SMART Flex can book through the app or by calling (734) 212-8429. The Detroit Department of Transportation will also implement a free fare policy on the same day.

The initiative aims to reduce barriers to voting for the roughly 3 million residents in the three-county region. SMART notes that the Northern Macomb zone is the newest area added to the Flex service. More details are available at smartmovesus.org.