SMART Seeking Millage Renewal

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - Thousands of people board SMART buses every day, but now taxpayers will need to be on board to keep the buses in service. Without SMART buses, many metro Detroiters won't be able to get to work or see their doctor.

SMART buses are critical for all kinds of people with all kinds of transportation needs.

"Gets me where I have to go, and I don't have to pay for parking when I get downtown," said Lynell Crew. "I can relax, and I can do some of my paperwork while I'm on the bus. Don't have to worry about the traffic and things. It's really convenient for me."

"I can't drive because I have a head injury. So... SMART bus is very important to me," said Gina Pedrouf.

"Since I had my Lincoln Town Car stolen, it's a most invaluable mode of transportation," said Abdul Abdullah.

SMART is seeking a millage renewal that will appear on the August third primary ballot. Voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County will consider the 59 mill renewal, which translates into $59 per $100,000 of property value a year.

SMART is a basic economic engine for metro Detroit essential for many riders to get to work.

Political leaders supporting the SMART renewal are trying to counter critics who say the the system is too costly and has limited ridership.

"I have a car, so I guess I'm in the privileged class, but a lot of seniors don't. A lot of students don't. A lot of handicaps don't. A lot of people who are below the poverty line trying to maintain some independence and some dignity have to get to their jobs. That's what public transit offers them," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.

Supporters of the renewal are stressing the proposal will not raise taxes.

"It's critically important that we continue this, and it's a renewal. It's not a new millage," said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.