ABOUT THIS EPISODE
What if public transportation could meet you where you are — when you need it? On this episode of SMARTcast, host Paul Johnson III sits down with Traci Davis, SMART Vice President of Microtransit Services, for a conversation about the continued growth of SMART Flex and how on-demand transportation is creating new connections across Southeast Michigan. SMART Flex brings the convenience of rideshare-style transportation to public transit, allowing riders to request affordable, on-demand trips within designated service zones. Powered by Via, riders can book through the SMART Flex app — or by phone for those without a smartphone — giving communities another flexible option for reaching work, school, healthcare, shopping and other everyday destinations. Traci brings approximately 15 years of transit experience to SMART, much of it focused on on-demand transportation. Since joining SMART in 2026, she has helped lead the next chapter of SMART Flex as the service expands its reach and fills transportation gaps that traditional fixed-route service can't always address. One of the newest milestones is the expansion of SMART Flex into Northern Macomb County through a partnership with Richmond Lenox EMS. The new service zone represents SMART's first Community Partnership Program Flex zone, bringing on-demand transportation to communities where fixed-route service is limited. In this conversation, Paul and Traci explore what microtransit actually is, why services like SMART Flex matter, how the Richmond-Lenox partnership came together, and what expanding mobility options can mean for residents throughout the region. Because sometimes connecting a community doesn't mean adding another bus stop. Sometimes it means creating a new way to get there. 🚌 Learn more about SMART Flex: Visit SMART's website for current service zones, hours, fares and booking information. 📱 Download the SMART Flex app to request a ride in participating service areas. SMARTcast takes you behind the scenes of Southeast Michigan's regional transit system, introducing the people, programs, partnerships and ideas helping move our communities forward. #SMARTcast #SMARTFlex #ThinkSMART #Microtransit #PublicTransportation #PublicTransit #MacombCounty #NorthernMacomb #RichmondMI #LenoxMI #MetroDetroit #Mobility #Transportation #SMARTMovesUs
