City approves SMART contract to continue Dial-A-Ride service

Mount Clemens City Commission voted to approve a fiscal-year purchase-of-service contract with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) to continue operating the Mount Clemens Dial-A-Ride service.

The motion, moved and seconded by commissioners during the meeting, authorizes city officials to execute the contract as presented. City staff said SMART will continue to maintain the buses while the city is responsible for fuel; SMART will subsidize the project with up to $16,036 in municipal credits and $28,739 in community credits for operating costs. The contract has been reviewed by the city attorney’s office, according to staff.

Commissioners asked staff for operational details: who would serve as project manager, whether any portion of the contract would be subcontracted, and whether the fare provisions include half fares for elderly and disabled riders. Staff identified a city employee as the project manager, said no subcontracting is planned for the service, and confirmed the contract includes a provision to offer half fares to elderly and disabled riders during at least off-peak periods.

The commission took a roll-call vote and approved the contract. The vote authorizes the appropriate city officials to execute the agreement and continue the Dial-A-Ride service under the specified subsidy arrangement.

The contract approval was recorded during the meeting; next steps include execution of the agreement by city officials and continued coordination with SMART on service logistics and fare administration.