Detroit Department of Transportation drivers are mobilizing against a plan to expand regional service on the SMART system. Supporters say the proposed changes are for the benefit of commuters.
"The union representing bus drivers in Detroit wants to stop a plan that would open key routes in the city for expanded service by the region's suburban bus system," reports Eric D. Lawrence.
The controversy pits drivers for the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) against SMART, the regional bus system, following "tense negotiations between the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan and the two transit agencies in the fall to shift $2.8 million in funding to allow for SMART to expand service on Woodward and Gratiot."
The DDOT drivers, represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, oppose the move due to fears of layoffs and service cuts. Transit planners supporting the expansion of the SMART system tout benefits for "riders who must currently transfer buses traveling to and from the suburbs outside of rush-hour periods," according to Lawrence's explanation.
FULL STORY: DDOT drivers want city to reject expanded SMART service
Driver Shortages and Service Reductions: The Crisis in Public Transit Continues
While transit systems around the country had reason to celebrate the new funding made available in the federal infrastructure bill, long-term concerns about operational capacity have not been resolved.
The New Trend in Transit: $0 Transfer Fees
After Detroit eliminated its fee to transfer between DDOT and SMART buses. Advocates in Pennsylvania want Philadelphia to be next.
Detroit Transit Expansion on the Table
Bidding for the second Amazon headquarters got the creative juices flowing in Detroit, and one outcome is a new regional transit plan
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research