Metro Detroit residents who need a place to cool off during an expected heat wave will have access to free, air-conditioned SMART buses next week. The regional bus agency plans to station vehicles at six locations from Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17, operating daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where and when the buses will be available
The buses are intended to provide temporary respite: a cool, shaded space to rest and hydrate. Riders will not need a SMART pass to use the buses.
- Pontiac — Old Phoenix Center, 10 Water St., east of Saginaw
- Dearborn — Fairlane Mall, 18900 Michigan Ave.
- Roseville — Macomb Mall, 32233 Gratiot Ave.
- Taylor — Southland Mall, 23000 Eureka Rd.
- Detroit — Bel‑Air Shopping Center, 8200 8 Mile Rd.
- JL Hudson Drive — (metro Detroit location listed by SMART)
| Dates | Hours | Temperature threshold |
|---|---|---|
| July 13–17, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Activated when temps exceed 90°F |
Who the service is for and how it will operate
The buses will function as public cooling spaces and are open to anyone seeking relief from the heat. SMART has said the service will only run when conditions meet its definition of extreme heat — that is, when temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The agency is positioning the buses at shopping centers and other high-traffic spots to be accessible to people across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
"Extreme heat conditions"
Local leaders and community organizations have increasingly emphasized cooling access as a public-health priority. Heat-related illness can escalate quickly, particularly for older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions, as well as for those who lack reliable home cooling. The SMART initiative offers another option for residents when temperatures climb.
Practical notes for residents
People planning to use the buses should note the service is temporary and weather-dependent. The buses are being offered as free spaces to cool down and hydrate — they are not regular transit service for getting between destinations, and riders do not need to present a SMART fare card. Bring water if possible, and check local forecasts or SMART notices before heading out, since the units will only be open under the agency's extreme-heat criteria.
This deployment follows a trend among metropolitan transit agencies to use existing assets for emergency heat relief. For residents across Detroit and neighboring suburbs, the buses provide an accessible, low-barrier way to reduce heat exposure during the hottest hours of the day.
