Skip to main content

Detroit transit authorities offer unified fare system for buses

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDoT) has partnered with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) to launch a unified payment system for the US region’s buses. Detroit’s mayor Mike Duggan says: “Dart will bring our two systems closer together with seamless transfers and more flexible payments making riding transit easier for everyone.” According to the mayor’s office, riders can take unlimited rides on both systems as each pass starts on the first use for the time
May 3, 2019 Read time: 2 mins
The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDoT) has partnered with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) to launch a unified payment system for the US region’s buses.


Detroit’s mayor Mike Duggan says: “Dart will bring our two systems closer together with seamless transfers and more flexible payments making riding transit easier for everyone.”

According to the mayor’s office, riders can take unlimited rides on both systems as each pass starts on the first use for the time period allotted. Regional passes are available for reduced fare riders – seniors, people with disabilities, Medicare cardholders and young people. A Dart mobile app will allow riders to pay for travel from this summer.

Warren C. Evans, Wayne County executive, says: “Under the current system, transfers can be confusing and intimidating. Relieving that headache encourages ridership which is important to improving mobility and increasing transit options.”

Under the new system, riders purchase the following Dart passes:

  • Four-hour regional with unlimited transfers between DDoT and SMART for $2, with a reduced fare price of 50 cents for qualified riders.
  • 24-hour regional with unlimited transfers between DDoT and SMART for $5, with a reduced price of $2.
  • Seven-day regional for $22, with a reduced price of $10.
  • 31-day regional, good for unlimited rides on both systems, for $70, with a reduced price of $29. The 31-day pass will also feature a tap to pay option for easier boarding.


The four-hour and 24-hour Dart passes will be available for purchase on SMART and DDOT vehicles. All passes will be available through SMART/DDoT centres, select retail outlets, online or by post.

Related Content

  • MBTA chooses Cubic to deliver next-generation fare payment system
    November 22, 2017
    Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) has been selected by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to install a fare payment system for the region’s multi-modal transit system to allow payment flexibility for customers. The base contract award includes an approximate $575 million (£433 million) for implementation with ten years of operations and maintenance as well two five-year extension options. The agreement also involves a public-private partnership, in which Cubic and John Laing will
  • California’s MTC expands Cubic Clipper card contract
    April 24, 2014
    California’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has awarded Cubic Transportation Systems a US$7.5 million add-on contract to expand the Clipper card fare payment system to more than a dozen suburban transit agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area. The system, which Cubic delivered and operates, will enhance travel options for commuters in parts of the East and North Bay. Under the updated contract, Cubic will install and configure Clipper fare collection equipment on all East Bay and North Bay o
  • Init installs e-fare system on over 530 bus routes in Orange County
    February 23, 2018
    Init has installed its e-fare validators on more than 530 fixed-route buses that belong to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) as part of a system-wide project. The upgrade is expected to improve passenger experience by providing a more convenient payment option while allowing for potential future regional fare integration. Through the OC Bus Mobile app, riders can now scan a QR code from their smartphones on the validators to pay for fares when boarding a bus. In addition, the validators
  • Init installs e-fare system on over 530 bus routes in Orange County
    February 23, 2018
    Init has installed its e-fare validators on more than 530 fixed-route buses that belong to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) as part of a system-wide project. The upgrade is expected to improve passenger experience by providing a more convenient payment option while allowing for potential future regional fare integration. Through the OC Bus Mobile app, riders can now scan a QR code from their smartphones on the validators to pay for fares when boarding a bus. In addition, the validators