Community members using the Starkville-MSU Rapid Area Transit system.
The Starkville-MSU Rapid Area Transit (SMART) system in Starkville, Mississippi, is showing signs of recovery with an increase in ridership following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, SMART reported over 470,000 riders, up 22,000 from 2022, though it still lags behind pre-pandemic levels. Efforts to enhance services, including new bus purchasing contracts and a driver training program, are underway. Significant local funding and statewide support signal a promising future for the transit system as it continues vital community connectivity.
Starkville, the bustling heart of Mississippi, is witnessing a remarkable recovery in its transit system, known as the Starkville-MSU Rapid Area Transit (SMART). After the upheaval brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the city is starting to see a return to normalcy as riders jump back onto the buses.
According to the latest reports from the director of Mississippi State University Transportation, there were over 470,000 riders on SMART buses in 2023. This marks an impressive increase of 22,000 riders compared to 2022. While the numbers are certainly encouraging, they still have some ground to cover before hitting those pre-pandemic highs.
To put things into perspective, before COVID-19 hit, ridership was cruising along nicely at around 100,000 riders each in January and February of 2020. However, the pandemic forced a dramatic 40% drop in ridership, causing many to rethink their travel habits. Fast forward to today, and while numbers are still climbing, they haven’t quite made it back to the golden days of yesteryear.
The month of September marked a peak for SMART, showcasing the system’s potential with just under 80,000 riders reported. Notably, there’s been a growing need for paratransit services within the community. In 2023 alone, there were over 7,300 rides provided, which is a rise of about 1,200 from the previous year. This growing demand highlights the importance of accessible transportation for all residents.
In a bid to enhance its operations, SMART is set to implement its very own purchasing contracts for buses later this year. Furthermore, an internal driver training program is being formulated to help new hires secure a commercial driver’s license, a move that will undoubtedly bolster their workforce.
The proposed budget for SMART in 2025 is projected to be around $7.3 million. Of this amount, approximately $2.9 million would be sourced locally. Notable funding contributors include Mississippi State University with $2.5 million, along with $241,000 from contracts and advertising, and an additional $100,000 from Starkville itself. These funds will be crucial for sustaining operations and improving the overall service quality.
On the infrastructure front, an exciting intersection improvement project at Spring Street and Highway 12 is underway, costing about $500,000. This project aims to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, enhancing accessibility for all residents. Burns Construction has been awarded the project at a bid of $474,000, after another proposal was dismissed due to irregular costs.
In good news for the community, the Mississippi Transportation Commission has recently allocated $10.1 million for various intermodal projects statewide. Out of this funding, $1.9 million will go towards public transit enhancements, with SMART set to receive about $23,966. These investments could further improve the local transit experience.
Another innovative move in the works is a proposed bus link connecting Starkville residents to East Mississippi Community College’s Mayhew campus, part of a broader strategy to increase service outreach and community connectivity.
For the first time ever, SMART maintained operations during the holiday season, serving around 1,800 city riders between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This commitment reflects the growing relevance of dependable transit options even during festive times.
The recent modification of the GTRA route has also seen positive feedback from hotel guests, who now have the convenient option to call for rides from various spots along Highway 12.
The SMART system has been on an upward trajectory since its inception in 2014, especially when it comes to non-student ridership. As Starkville continues its recovery from COVID-19, SMART is solidifying its role as a vital transportation resource for the community, proving once again that every ride counts.
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