DETROIT – By now you've probably heard the story of James Robertson, the Detroit man who had a 21-mile commute to work.
His job was in Rochester Hills, a community that determined years ago the benefit of having the SMART bus service did not justify the cost. Rochester Hills is one of 51 communities in Wayne and Oakland counties that have made that decision.
It's a decision SMART General Manager John Hertel hopes they will revisit.
"We want you to join. We want you even though since 1985 you decided you didn't want to participate," Hertel said during a Wednesday news conference. "You're more than welcomed and we'll help you come onboard."
Take a look at the service map:
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The SMART bus stops in the blue zones in this map -- 52 communities have opted in. However, just as many in the yellow areas have declined the service.
Those decisions were made decades ago. Hertel believes many residents are unaware the service is available. He is ready to discuss cost and customizing it for each community.
"I have a feeling the response is going to be such that I and my staff are going to get busy, because I think we're going to get invitations," he said. "I think Mr. Robertson's story is obviously the story of thousands of people."
Transportation Riders United (TRU) is a transit advocacy group. They are hopeful communities will reconsider.
"In most of these communities the voters have never even had a chance to vote as to whether they want to be a part of the SMART service," said Megan Owens, of TRU. "I think this is a great step forward."
Those opt-out communities over the years couldn't afford the service, found too few residents benefitted, and couldn't justify the expense for non-residents seeking jobs in their community. However, Hertel insists we all lose if people can't connect with jobs.
"The most important thing in Southeast Michigan in terms of all of us improving the community -- this major community we live in -- is by more people working," he said.
Northville, Livonia, and Rochester Hills have replied to this statement, saying they are willing to listen, but concede little has changed in ensuing years, and the factors that led them to reject SMART participation still likely exist. Benefits to their residents still must outweigh the costs.