Riders across Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Franklin can hop on any SMART bus for free on Tuesday, August 4, primary election day.

No fare, pass, or ticket is required. The offer runs from midnight to 11:59 p.m. and covers every SMART service: fixed-route buses, Connector curb-to-curb rides, ADA Paratransit, and SMART Flex on-demand service.

"On Election Day, that mission means making sure a lack of transportation never stands between a resident and their polling place," SMART General Manager and CEO Tiffany J. Gunter said in a statement reported by the Oakland Press. "Free rides, all day, across our entire network, for everyone."

What's on the ballot

The August 4 primary carries several local proposals. Bloomfield Township voters face two millage renewals worth a combined $14.9 million annually for road maintenance and public safety, as we reported July 25. Franklin Village has a police services millage on the ballot. All Oakland County voters will decide the Oakland Schools Regional Enhancement Millage, a 1.5-mill, six-year proposal estimated to raise $125.8 million, with Birmingham Public Schools and Bloomfield Hills Schools among the districts that would receive funds.

Contested primaries for governor, U.S. Senate, and State Senate District 7, which covers Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, and surrounding communities, round out a busy ballot.

How to ride

Riders who need Connector or ADA Paratransit service must still reserve trips in advance. Fixed-route riders can board without paying.

According to SMART's system map, routes serving the Birmingham and Bloomfield area include Route 460 (Woodward Local/Somerset), Routes 461/462 (FAST Woodward), Route 430 (Main Street), Route 780 (Fifteen Mile Crosstown), and Route 851 (W. Bloomfield/Farmington Hills Park & Ride). Connector curb-to-curb service also operates in Bloomfield Township.

For current schedules, trip planning, and bus stop locations, visit smartbus.org or call SMART Customer Service at 866-962-5515.

At the polls

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4.