Every Bus Replaces 60 Cars

November 25, 2025

LeJuan Burt, VP of Maintenance at SMART transit, argues that public transportation is crucial for reducing Southeast Michigan's substantial carbon footprint, where drivers logged nearly 100 billion miles in 2023 and produced over 141 million metric tons of CO2. SMART buses can significantly reduce emissions by taking up to 60 cars off the road per bus, with per-person emissions dropping 37-40 percent when buses are full compared to solo driving. The transit agency has been expanding its electric bus fleet since 2022 through partnerships with DTE and Proterra, operating zero-emission vehicles powered by renewable energy from their Oakland Terminal hub in Troy.

Who is affected

Southeast Michigan residents and commuters
SMART bus riders
Urban communities, particularly vulnerable residents exposed to concentrated pollution and respiratory health risks
Michigan drivers who logged 98.3 billion miles in 2023
Communities with higher transit use

What action is being taken

SMART is expanding its electric bus fleet (ongoing since 2022)
The Oakland Terminal in Troy is serving as the center for charging and maintenance of electric buses
Electric buses are being powered by renewable energy through the partnership with DTE and Proterra
SMART is using data and real-time GPS to plan smarter routes, reduce fuel use, and cut idle time
SMART is offering on-demand Flex services, onboard Wi-Fi, charging ports, and real-time arrival information
Infrastructure upgrades including dedicated transit lanes and traffic signal priority are being supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Michigan's Carbon Reduction Strategy

Why it matters

Public transit represents one of the most effective tools for reducing transportation emissions, which account for the vast majority of Michigan's carbon footprint (91% of miles traveled and 86% of transportation emissions come from passenger vehicles). The shift to public transit and electric buses addresses critical environmental and public health concerns by reducing air pollution, particularly in urban areas where vulnerable populations are most affected by respiratory health risks. This transition is essential for Michigan to achieve its carbon neutrality goal by 2050, and it creates co-benefits including reduced congestion, lower infrastructure costs, improved public health, and more sustainable, vibrant communities.

What's next

Infrastructure upgrades including dedicated transit lanes and traffic signal priority will help buses move faster and stay on schedule. The electric fleet will continue to grow, expanding environmental impact. SMART will continue addressing barriers to transit adoption through service improvements and technology enhancements to make transit a more practical alternative to solo driving.

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle