$1 Million in Bus Stop Improvements Coming to SMART Thanks to Transportation Grant Presented by SEMCOG

$1 million in bus cease enhancements coming to SMART because of transportation grant introduced by SEMCOG

(SEMCOG, January 23, 2026)

Michigan – SEMCOG, the Council of Governments of Southeast Michigan, has awarded $1,000,000 in Transportation Alternate options Program (TAP) funding to the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) to enhance pedestrian and bicycle entry to public transit by bettering and putting in as much as 50 bus stops, new bus shelters and ADA-accessible options.

SEMCOG’s Transportation Alternate options Program (TAP) is a aggressive program that distributes roughly $10 million in federal funding to native transportation initiatives every fiscal 12 months. Eligible initiatives embrace modernization of shared-use paths and sidewalks, pedestrian security enhancements, new sidewalks and Full Streets options that enhance usability.

To have fun this undertaking, a ceremonial verify was introduced to the SMART Board on January 22.

“This partnership with SEMCOG is an instance of what we are able to obtain once we work collectively towards a typical purpose,” stated Tiffany J. Gunter, Managing Director and CEO of SMART. “When regional leaders unite round bettering public transportation accessibility, we create actual, significant change for the communities we serve. This funding will straight enhance the expertise of our passengers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. It is what our passengers deserve, and we imagine collaboration is the important thing to constructing the form of linked, accessible transportation system our area calls for,” stated Gunter.

“TAP is a vital funding program for constructing connections in our communities,” stated Amy O’Leary, Govt Director of SEMCOG. “It may be constructing trails, engaged on streetscapes and sidewalks, however it can be transit, and that is why we’re right here immediately. Over the past 17 years, we have invested $120 million on this program on 185 initiatives. We would not be right here if we did not have the assist of our Congressional Representatives, and SMART, you may have quite a lot of that: Lisa McClain, Haley Stevens, Debbie Dingell, Rashida Tlaib, John James and Shri Thanedar are all main transportation advocates, and I additionally need to thank the reauthorization of this program,” O’Leary stated.

“This funding exhibits what is feasible when our area works collectively,” stated U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. “By bettering bus stops and sidewalks in Wayne and Oakland counties, we’re making public transportation safer, extra accessible and extra dependable for the individuals who depend on it each day. These are essential enhancements that join our residents to jobs, schooling and well being care. This $1 million funding may also guarantee our bus stops are ADA compliant and higher serve pedestrians, cyclists, seniors and other people with disabilities,” stated Tlaib.

“Our workplace is proud to have helped safe federal {dollars} to enhance transportation right here in Wayne County,” stated Shri Thanedar, U.S. Congressman. “This crucial funding will modernize bus transportation, enhance sidewalks and make life extra accessible for native residents,” Thanedar stated.

Mission Highlights:

The SEMCOG Regional Assessment Committee authorised the undertaking based mostly on selling protected, holistic and important transportation security outcomes.

awards $1,000,000 in federal funding from SEMCOG’s Transportation Alternate options Program (TAP) for SMART to put in bus stops, new bus shelters, improved sidewalks and concrete pads in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Improves accessibility to fixed-route public transportation, giving extra individuals dependable transportation choices to get to jobs, well being care services, grocery shops, parks, faculties and libraries.

Ensures compliance with ADA requirements via the set up of bus cease enhancements.

Pictured: From left to proper: Sammy Hassan, workplace of US Congressman Shri Thanedar; Mackenzie Gabriel-Lazette, Area Consultant, Workplace of Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; Hassan Sheikh, regional supervisor for U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin; Amy O’Leary, Govt Director, SEMCOG; Tiffany Gunter, Managing Director and CEO, SMART; Alec Hughes, Regional Coordinator, U.S. Senator Gary Peters; Phil Rhode, district director of U.S. Consultant John James’ workplace; John Paul Rea, SMART Board Chairman, Macomb County Deputy Govt; Toni Dunbar, District Director, Workplace of U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib; Muhammed Smidi, district director for U.S. Congresswoman Lisa McClain.

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