The City of Sterling Heights has announced a new partnership with SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) and Creative Outdoor Advertising, an Ontario-based firm that provides turn-key street furniture advertising solutions that helps enhance city landscapes, provide valuable public amenities and support local economies. This partnership will launch an innovative pilot program aimed at improving bus stops along SMART’s fixed routes within the city.
Currently, many SMART stops in Sterling Heights consist solely of a sign placed in the grass. This pilot program will introduce benches, trash receptacles, and sidewalk connections to make waiting for transit safer and more comfortable for riders at no cost to the City.
The agreement, presented during the City Manager’s Report at the Sept. 2 City Council meeting, allows Creative Outdoor to install and maintain advertising-supported amenities at fixed-route stops throughout the community. Local businesses will benefit from new visibility opportunities, while residents will see improved safety, accessibility, and comfort at their neighborhood transit stops.
“Sterling Heights is proud to be leading the way in testing innovative transit solutions that directly improve the rider experience while strengthening partnerships with our local business community,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. “This pilot program has the potential to serve as a model for other communities in the region.”
Creative Outdoor brings more than 40 years of experience and currently operates more than 34,000 advertising-supported amenities in over 320 municipalities across North America. As part of the agreement, Sterling Heights will also receive a share of net advertising revenue, ensuring the program provides both functional and financial benefits to the community.
All amenities will be installed to meet ADA standards and maintained in like-new condition by Creative Outdoor. The company will also ensure all advertising complies with strict community standards, while the City reserves space for public service messaging and municipal announcements at no cost.
“SMART is pleased to partner with Sterling Heights on this effort,” said Tiffany J. Gunter, CEO of SMART. “By working together, we can enhance fixed-route stops and create a model for future improvements across the region.”
The City anticipates that the pilot program could serve as a model for communities across Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties.