News Summary
Following the resignation of general manager Dwight Ferrell, Tiffany Gunter has been promoted as the new leader of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). Gunter, who has over 20 years of experience in transit and public policy, aims to improve community partnerships and enhance rider experiences. This leadership shift comes at a crucial time for the agency as it prepares for upcoming transit funding initiatives in Wayne County and looks to address ongoing service reliability challenges.
Detroit — The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is undergoing a leadership change following the resignation of general manager Dwight Ferrell, effective August 1, 2024. Ferrell, who has served in this position since 2021, is stepping down to facilitate a new direction for the organization as it navigates upcoming challenges and opportunities in public transportation.
Tiffany Gunter, formerly the deputy general manager and Chief Operating Officer of SMART, has been promoted to succeed Ferrell. Gunter joined SMART in 2022 and brings with her over 20 years of experience in transit and public policy. Her appointment signifies a strategic move by the SMART board as the agency gears up for critical public transportation initiatives, including a vote on transit funding in Wayne County scheduled for next year.
This leadership change comes at a pivotal time, as legislative alterations in 2024 will prevent individual communities within Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties from opting out of countywide transit funding. This policy shift follows the successful passage of a countywide transit millage in Oakland County in 2022, marking a significant advancement in regional transit cooperation. The board believes that Gunter’s leadership can leverage this momentum towards improving transit services across the region.
Ferrell’s departure is viewed as a necessary transitional move for SMART to embrace its future vision. During his tenure, SMART achieved significant milestones including service route expansions, infrastructure modernization, and marked improvements in rider satisfaction. These initiatives have laid a strong foundation, and Gunter aims to build upon this success by enhancing community partnerships and improving rider experiences.
Gunter is disappointed to see Ferrell leave but expresses gratitude for the support he provided during her transition into this new role. She has already outlined her vision for SMART, focusing on operational excellence and increased investment in technology to enhance service reliability. As part of her strategy, Gunter plans to introduce mobile options for trip scheduling and payments, aiming for a seamless rider experience.
Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain, particularly concerning service reliability. Transit advocates, including representatives from Transportation Riders United, continue to voice concerns regarding ongoing issues with SMART’s service consistency. With Gunter at the helm, stakeholders are hopeful that the new leadership will drive necessary changes and improvements in this critical area.
Negotiations are ongoing regarding both Ferrell’s separation agreement and Gunter’s compensation package. Ferrell’s salary was reported at $245,980, while Gunter earned $217,276 prior to her promotion. As discussions progress, both financial arrangements will be closely monitored by the SMART board and relevant stakeholders.
Ben Stupka, executive director of the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan, has shared optimism about the potential for collaborative efforts under Gunter’s leadership. He expresses hope for the development of a more unified Southeast Michigan transit system over the next decade, which could substantially enhance regional connectivity and accessibility.
Overall, as SMART prepares for these transitional changes, all eyes will be on Gunter to fulfill her vision for the agency’s future. With a firm commitment to improving public transportation, Gunter’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing SMART’s mission and addressing the needs of the community it serves. Stakeholders and transit advocates remain vigilant in monitoring progress, recognizing the importance of holding the organization accountable in its quest for improved transit services and reliability.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: SMART Bus Leader Resigns
- Crain’s Detroit: SMART Names Tiffany Gunter New General Manager
- Axios Detroit: Oakland County Leader Wants Rapid Bus Service
- Detroit News: Robert Cramer on Public Transit
- Mass Transit Magazine: People on the Move
- Wikipedia: Public Transport
- Google Search: SMART transit
- Google Scholar: Public Transportation Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Transportation
- Google News: Detroit Transit News
