  Miketoronto Member Username: Miketoronto Post Number: 341 Registered: 07-2004 |
This article is from Transit Windsor. This may not seem like a big deal. But this is a good small step. ---------------------- Transit Windsor, DDOT And SMART Form International Transfer Transit Windsor, DDOT and SMART have partnered to develop a single transfer system for bus passengers traveling between Detroit and Windsor. In the past, customers traveling between the two countries could not use transfers between the different systems. For Transit Windsor customers, the transfer will allow rides on DDOT and SMART at no additional cost on fixed route services. For DDOT and SMART customers, the transfer will allow a fifty-cent reduction on the Transit Windsor tunnel bus fare. Passengers wanting to continue to travel on participating transit systems, should request a transfer slip when boarding the first transit bus. Only one transfer issued per person at time of boarding with each full paid fare. The six-month pilot project is effective October 30, 2006 until April 30, 2007 and will be assessed during this period. “This is the first international transfer program between the U.S. and Canada and it’s been a long time coming,” said SMART General Manager Dan Dirks. Norm White, DDOT Director said it will make international travel much easier. “Transit Windsor is extremely pleased to offer this added value for our tunnel bus passengers,” added Councillor Joyce Zuk, Chair of the Transit Windsor board, “and we look forward to building a strong relationship with our neighbouring international transit systems.” SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) is the suburban transit system for Southeast Michigan providing 11 million rides annually for commuters, entry-level workers, senior citizens and people with disabilities. Additional SMART information can be found at www.smartbus.org or by calling 866.962.5515. DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation) is the largest transit carrier in the state of Michigan, carrying approximately 40 million passengers annually. DDOT employs approximately 1500 people, has a fleet of 550 buses and operates 44 fully accessible fixed-route bus lines. Additional DDOT information can be found at www.ridedetroittransit.com or by calling 313.933.1300. Transit Windsor provides public transportation to the City of Windsor, as well as direct service to downtown Detroit, Comerica Park and Ford Field via the Windsor-Detroit tunnel. Additional services include charters; a full-service maintenance department; fully accessible service (on specific routes); and extra service for secondary school students and seniors. Tunnel bus services depart from the Windsor downtown bus terminal at 44 University Avenue East. Proof of citizenship is required when crossing the international Windsor-Detroit tunnel. Additional Transit Windsor information may be found at www.citywindsor.ca/transitwind sor or by calling 519.944.4111. | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 610 Registered: 11-2003 |
I've never riden the tunnel bus. I guess this is a stupid question, but what is the procedure for customs? | ||
Miketoronto Member Username: Miketoronto Post Number: 342 Registered: 07-2004 |
The bus takes you to the customs. You get off, walk through a room, answer the questions then reboard the bus, unless they keep you. Sometimes if they question you to much, the bus leaves without yet. That happened the last time I was on the tunnel bus. The customs told the drive he could leave, because the one girl left behind would be there for a while. | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 589 Registered: 09-2005 |
Swingline, the bus is waived through the primary inspection line (customs booth) and the bus heads directly to the customs office (the building). Passengers get off the bus, go through primary inspection in the building (there are desks similar to an airport customs hall), and -- if the traveller is admitted into the country -- the traveller reboards the bus. The procedure is the same on both the Windsor and Detroit sides. The "tunnel bus" is operated by Transit Windsor and only runs through the tunnel. (I guess Miketoronto has beaten me to this post) (Message edited by upinottawa on October 26, 2006) | ||
Tndetroiter Member Username: Tndetroiter Post Number: 432 Registered: 12-2005 |
Where does the tunnel bus pick up in Detroit? In Windsor? How late does it run on a Saturday night? (Message edited by tndetroiter on October 27, 2006) | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 590 Registered: 09-2005 |
See the following for the tunnel bus route: http://www.citywindsor.ca/Disp layAttach.asp?AttachID=5650 The easiest place for pick up in Windsor is the downtown transit terminal at 44 University Street East (east of Ouellette Avenue). In Detroit, the easiest stop is the bus shelter between the Old Mariners' Church and tunnel toll booths. Also, in addition to the standard "Tunnel Bus" service, Transit Windsor offers "Special" buses to downtown Detroit events such as Wings games, Lions games, Tigers games, concerts, the Auto Show, etc. The price is slightly higher for these services, the buses usually start to leave an hour or so before the start time for the event, and the buses go directly to the stadium/arena/facility, etc. | ||
Tndetroiter Member Username: Tndetroiter Post Number: 435 Registered: 12-2005 |
Does anybody know how late the thing runs on a Saturday night? | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 591 Registered: 09-2005 |
Tunnel bus schedule: http://www.citywindsor.ca/Disp layAttach.asp?AttachID=5568 The last bus on Saturday night: Windsor to Detroit leaves at 12:30 am Detroit to Windsor leaves at 1:08 am |
