Subcommittee extends DDOT–SMART revenue-sharing agreement and hears update on transit center security screenings

The Public Health and Safety Subcommittee approved continuing a revenue-sharing arrangement between Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and SMART for regional passes and heard an update on newly implemented security screening procedures at transit centers.

DDOT Director Robert Kramer described the revenue-sharing arrangement as a continuation of an existing agreement that governs regional pass revenue (including DART passes) and noted that the agencies split certain pass revenues 50/50. Kramer and DDOT staff said the arrangement dates from prior negotiations intended to simplify regional fares and that future fare-equipment upgrades could prompt a re-evaluation of revenue splits when more auditable usage data are available.

Kramer and other DDOT staff also explained that the department recently added metal detectors at two transit centers. Kramer said the screening is limited to entering the transit center building and is not required to board buses. He told the committee the change is intended to improve safety and the perception of safety and that the department has accommodations for people with medical devices or other needs who cannot pass through detectors.

Council members asked DDOT to confirm that searches and any pat-downs will respect gender preferences and that alternatives will be available; Kramer said the department would take that feedback into account. DDOT staff said the department is monitoring community reactions and is prepared to adjust procedures as needed.

The subcommittee approved sending the revenue-sharing contract amendment to formal with a recommendation to approve and recorded no objections. The screening procedures were discussed as an operational update rather than a formal action item.

Speakers quoted in this article are identified from the committee transcript and include DDOT and procurement staff and council members.