Mississippi State public transit system wins major award

The Starkville-Mississippi State University Area Rapid Transit (S.M.A.R.T.), a free community bus system that connects Mississippi State’s campus with Starkville’s residential and commercial hubs, was recognized as the Mississippi Public Transit Association's Transportation System of the Year.

The honor cites the S.M.A.R.T. system for excellence in removing barriers to education, employment and medical and recreational services. The system has provided affordable mobility options for residents – a feat that the Transit Association appreciates.

“This recognition is very gratifying to all who have been a part of taking a very good system and continuously looking for ways to improve our services,” Amy Tuck, vice president for campus services said.

Tuck also said that since the transit system’s January 2014 launch, officials have made a few adjustments and expansions, all to help best serve the university and its local communities.

“When you see the reliance on the S.M.A.R.T. system and know that were impacting peoples quality of life in the community, that’s when you know you’re making a difference,” Jeremiah Dumas, MSU's director of Parking, Transit and Sustainability, said.