Operating and Capital Expenses - Suburban / SMART
page 4

There are valid reasons backed up by statistics, physical evidence, demonstrations and public supports as to how and why each dedicated purpose is funded. Only when understood as a complete whole does the picture make sense. The "concept" of funding roads and freeways in correlation to mass transit is a sound economic principle very unique to downtown Detroit because the five main bus routes follow freeways, Gratiot/I-94 east, Michigan/I-94 west, Woodward/I-75 north, Fort/I-75 south, Grand River/I-96. Statistics from existing ridership shows that 40,000 more cars can be removed from these freeways thus working to relieve rush hour traffic and reduce the need for parking. This is in addition to increased tourism and the "restoration" of city tax revenues as everyone in the world will know that downtown Detroit will always have safe SMART bus service.

References to notes indicated by asterisks * from previous page.
From the (Summary of Expenses as a Guideline for Regional Transit)

*

Number divided to equal 50% farebox to operating ratio - Similar types of frequent bus services show this can be increased to 70% or more. (on core downtown/airport bus routes)

**

Amount of increased farebox revenue per year - This figure can be increased using a variety of solutions as described throughout "The Plan..." WebPages.

***

Amount of current farebox revenue per year - This figure is taken from the Citizens Research Council document on SMART.

****

Farebox to revenue ratio - The ratio of 18.6% can be increased to 25% and more based on statistics for similar efforts to improve mass transit in other cities. (total system)

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