SMART transit Wiki

The Southern Metro Area Regional Transit is a micro transit system based south of Boston. The entity is dedicated toward filling gaps in the suburban network caused by population change, demographic shift, and low-density development patterns.



 "Welcome to the !"

The SMART coverage area focuses on the cities and towns of Braintree, Canton, Holbrook, Randolph, Sharon, Stoughton, and Walpole, Massachusetts. Over 200,000 people live in this area. The extended area spans the cities and towns of Brockton, Easton, Raynham, and Westwood, Massachusetts.

This service area awkwardly straddles the edges of three counties, Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth. Conversely, it is also at the outer reaches of three different agencies, GATRA, MBTA, and BAT. As a result, the riders have a deteriorated transit experience. SMART complements the service gap, while providing connections to all three services.

Fortunately, the population centers and primary destinations (such as shopping, employment, healthcare, education, and entertainment) are located along existing numbered state roads, making route design much simpler.

As population and traffic congestion continue to grow, SMART is dedicated to providing service to the fast-growing region it serves.

Transfer points
Several travel nodes exist in the area.

Cobbs Corner

Crawford Square

Westgate Mall

What's in a name?

Steps taken

1. Executive Summary
Bus Service along MA 139 (with strategic collector/feeder routes) is feasible at this time because:


 * More/larger housing subdivisions add to congestion; increased densities make public transit more feasible.


 * Changing population—older, different ethnic mix, newcomers from cities with transit—creates opportunities.


 * Increased number of “choice” riders that have transportation options (including visitors).


 * Increased number of young people that need transportation after school and during the summer.


 * Increased number/size of commercial and medical centers provide transit hubs.

1.1 Objectives—Phase 1, First Year (see map on following page)


 * 1.1.1 To initiate regularly scheduled mainline bus service along MA 139, from Coastal Carolina Medical Center (CCMC) in Jasper County to Coligny Circle on Hilton Head Island during the first half of 2008. This will be in two segments:  Coligny Circle on Hilton Head Island to Tanger Outlet Mall on mainland (contracted out but operated as part of the PALMETTO BREEZE system)  Tanger Outlet Mall to CCMC (directly operated by PALMETTO BREEZE).


 * 1.1.2 To connect that service, through scheduling, with existing private services on Hilton Head at Sea Pines Plantation, Palmetto Dunes, Disney Resort and others. 1.1.3 To initiate PALMETTO BREEZE loop connector service to Bluffton “Old Town,” and along Buckwalter Parkway/Simmonsville Road to serve residential, commercial, religious and medical developments there and through Sun City to Wal-Mart. 1.1.4 To establish at least two park-and-ride ride lots on US 278—one near I95 and the other near SC 170 so that potential riders from throughout the Lowcountry Region will have access to the new services. During the early phases these lots are likely to be on a shared/borrowed basis with existing organizations such as Coastal Carolina Medical Center and Palmetto Electric Co-op. 1.1.5 To market all services, as a system, effectively to a number of targeted market segments. 1.1.6 To obtain public (federal, state, county, municipal) and private partner funding so that service can be offered free of charge.



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