Southeast Michigan’s regional bus system is getting ready to make massive cuts to its service.
Declining tax revenues due to drops in property values, fewer federal dollars, and the SMART system’s inability to win concessions from its unions are the reasons behind the cuts.
The system is looking at a 22 percent cut to its service, affecting 30 of its 53 routes.
"Certainly this is a tragedy," said SMART’s Beth Gibbons. "It’s not going to be easy for the thousands of people who depend on our service every day to get to work and to school."
Public hearings on the proposed cuts are scheduled for the first week of November. The changes could take effect as early as December 12.
About 40,000 people a day ride SMART busses.
