Ribbon cutting ceremony for new SMART Bus Shelter installation

Tiffany Gunter, SMART General Manager cuts the ribbon on Wayne’s newest bus shelter with the Mayor and City Council, City and SMART administration along with Wayne Chamber members. Photo by Natalie Rhaesa

By Sarah Shurge – SMART, in partnership with the City of Wayne, Wayne Chamber of Commerce, and Ford Motor Company, celebrated the newly installed bus shelter at the intersection of South John Hix Road and Michigan Avenue.
The location is one of the most highly utilized stops along Route 200, and serves a wide range of riders, including seniors, students, people with disabilities, and over 6,000 Ford Motor Company workers.
“Transit infrastructure like this new SMART shelter is critical to connecting people with jobs, businesses with customers, and communities with opportunity,” said Chelsea Rushlow, President of the City of Wayne Chamber of Commerce. “Reliable, accessible public transportation drives local economic growth and makes it easier for Wayne’s businesses and workforce to thrive.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly installed bus shelter was Tuesday, July 29th.
“This shelter is a symbol of what public transit can do to uplift a community,” said Tiffany Gunter, SMART General Manager. “We are grateful to the City of Wayne for their support and continued partnership in making transit safer, more comfortable, and more accessible.”
The new shelter is part of SMART’s ongoing commitment to improving rider experience and includes accessible design features such as a bench, USB charging ports, interior lighting, and space for mobility devices.
SMART continues to prioritize infrastructure improvements that strengthen the connection between people and opportunities, ensuring every community member has access to reliable, equitable transportation.
“I look forward to the day when we have true regional SMART transit service throughout Wayne County—because reliable, connected transit is key to economic opportunity, workforce mobility, and quality of life for our entire region,” said Wayne Mayor John Rhaesa. “We’re proud to partner with SMART on improvements like this that enhance daily life and support long-term growth in the City of Wayne.”
Providing a safe and comfortable place for riders to wait—rain, snow, or shine—is essential to building a transit system that people can count on. Thank you to SMART, the City of Wayne, Wayne Chamber of Commerce, and Ford Motor Company for this new shelter for riders!