New SMART Bus Route Will Connect Multiple Oakland County Communities

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — Starting Monday, a new bus route through SMART will connect multiple Oakland County communities for the first time.

The new SMART route 492 will make stops through Clawson, Ferndale, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak and Troy.

In the Rochester area, the route primarily runs along Squirrel, University/Walton and Rochester roads, with stops at Oakland University, Walton and Livernois, Rochester and Avon, Rochester and South Boulevard, Rochester and Big Beaver, Oakland Mall and Rochester and 14 Mile Road.

In the Royal Oak area, the route will make stops at the Royal Oak Transit Center, Campbell and 11 Mile Road and State Fair Bay 9.

The new route was made possible after voters approved Oakland County’s transportation millage in 2022.

"As we look forward to the launch of Route 492, we anticipate a positive ripple effect on the local economy," SMART General Manager Dwight Ferrell said. "Businesses in Auburn Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, and Ferndale stand to gain from increased foot traffic and new consumers who will now have convenient access to their establishments — with no parking required. This route represents not just a means of transportation but also a catalyst for economic growth and community prosperity."

The bus will run from 6 a.m. through 10 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. For more information about Route 492 and SMART’s services, visit smartmovesus.org.