Page 11 - Wayne Dispatch Pages

Ribbon cutting ceremony for new SMART Bus Shelter installation

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

The Wayne Dispatch · August 2025 · 11