Transit Windsor, DDOT And SMART Form International Transfer
Transit Windsor, DDOT and SMART have partnered to develop a single transfer system for bus passengers traveling between Detroit and Windsor.
In the past, customers traveling between the two countries could not use transfers between the different systems. For Transit Windsor customers, the transfer will allow rides on DDOT and SMART at no additional cost on fixed route services. For DDOT and SMART customers, the transfer will allow a fifty-cent reduction on the Transit Windsor tunnel bus fare. Passengers wanting to continue to travel on participating transit systems, should request a transfer slip when boarding the first transit bus. Only one transfer issued per person at time of boarding with each full paid fare.
The six-month pilot project is effective October 30, 2006 until April 30, 2007 and will be assessed during this period.
“This is the first international transfer program between the U.S. and Canada and it’s been a long time coming,” said SMART General Manager Dan Dirks.
Norm White, DDOT Director said it will make international travel much easier.
“Transit Windsor is extremely pleased to offer this added value for our tunnel bus passengers,” added Councillor Joyce Zuk, Chair of the Transit Windsor board, “and we look forward to building a strong relationship with our neighbouring international transit systems.”
SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) is the suburban transit system for Southeast Michigan providing 11 million rides annually for commuters, entry-level workers, senior citizens and people with disabilities. Additional SMART information can be found at www.smartbus.org or by calling 866.962.5515.
DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation) is the largest transit carrier in the state of Michigan, carrying approximately 40 million passengers annually. DDOT employs approximately 1500 people, has a fleet of 550 buses and operates 44 fully accessible fixed-route bus lines. Additional DDOT information can be found at www.ridedetroittransit.com or by calling 313.933.1300.
Transit Windsor provides public transportation to the City of Windsor, as well as direct service to downtown Detroit, Comerica Park and Ford Field via the Windsor-Detroit tunnel. Additional services include charters; a full-service maintenance department; fully accessible service (on specific routes); and extra service for secondary school students and seniors. Tunnel bus services depart from the Windsor downtown bus terminal at 44 University Avenue East. Proof of citizenship is required when crossing the international Windsor-Detroit tunnel. Additional Transit Windsor information may be found at www.citywindsor.ca/transitwindsor or by calling 519.944.4111.