SMART Transit offers bus rides around Moscow
Although only a few miles wide, the transportation options in Moscow were limited in 2004.
The transit system needed an upgrade, one that would fit the small town atmosphere. Enter SMART Transit.
Jackson Flynn | Argonaut
The SMART Transist transportation system is a private non-profit corporation that provides the general public with free transportation around the area.
“It stands for Sustainable Moscow Area Regional Transportation,” said Jenny Ford, SMART Transit executive director.
A decade later, SMART Transit continues to give people fare-free lifts across town.
The fixed bus rides are paid for through grants, city contributions and donations from a number of local organizations, including the University of Idaho.
Each morning at 6:40 a.m., SMART sends out two buses, one for the East side of town and one for the West route. Routes run every 30 minutes until 6 p.m. Schedules for the routes can be found at the SMART Transit website and in bus stop shelters around town.
According to Ford, SMART Transit staff members always put passengers first. Lyle Lair, a driver for SMART Transit agreed with Forde and said he tries to do his part.
“Someone is always willing to help,” Lair said. “The drivers, and most passengers we see, are always looking out for each other.”
SMART also uses a para-transit bus for persons with disabilities and elderly community members who are ADA eligible.
Forde said SMART is an adaptive transportation service that continues to focus on rider safety.
“It is our number one priority,” she said.
SMART Transit provides passengers with amenities such as bike racks and room for strollers and wheelchairs.
SMART also partners with Northwestern Trailways, a Washington transportation service that connects to national services such as Greyhound. Forde said SMART is a ticket agent for Northwestern Trailways and students who are interested in utilizing the long-distance transit service should think ahead.
“We recommend students to purchase their tickets through our office,” Forde said. “You are supporting public transportation and public transit in Moscow.”
The small commission from Northwestern Trailways ticket sales go toward the SMART organization to keep rides fare-free for everyone, Forde said.
Jackson Flynn | Argonaut
In 2012, SMART bused almost 200,000 passengers in Moscow. Since September of this year, SMART is at near half of their highest number for their 2014 passenger count.
“Over the summer, it was nice to see student traffic,” Lair said. “It definitely adds a lot of life to the bus.”
Maddie Marx can be reached at [email protected]