SMART Launches Free Wi-Fi on FAST Buses in Metro Detroit

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation rolled out free onboard Wi-Fi on buses along its FAST routes, as shared by Detroit Free Press. This pilot program started before Valentine's Day weekend. It's the first time the transit agency has given passengers internet access.

SMART put in about 50 Wi-Fi-enabled devices through a partnership with T-Mobile. The rollout wants to make things better for riders and update transit across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

"Access to connectivity is an essential part of daily life," Cassandra Whitfield, SMART's chief information officer, said. "By bringing Wi-Fi onto our buses, we're giving riders the ability to stay connected to work, school, healthcare, and family while they travel."

Riders can now check email while riding. They can get information right away, stream music, and keep in touch during trips downtown or regular commutes. Three routes got picked: FAST Michigan, FAST Woodward, and FAST Gratiot. These routes stop less than standard ones do.

"Our goal is to make public transit a first-choice option by meeting riders where they are and responding to how people live, work and connect today," Tiffany J. Gunter, SMART's general manager and CEO, said in the release, as reported by Detroit Free Press.

What happens next? The agency will grow the program if riders like it and if everything works well. Officials want to see how passengers use Wi-Fi before adding it to other routes.

The launch happened during SMART After Dark Valentine's Day weekend. That program gave free shuttle service to downtown Detroit with themed experiences onboard and appearances by SMARTie, the agency's mascot.

This Wi-Fi pilot pushes metro Detroit's public transportation into the future. Transit officials think connectivity might convince more commuters to pick buses when they need to get things done while moving around town.