Celebrate Valentine’s Day with SMART After Dark

February is the season of love, and each year Valentine’s Day reminds us to slow down, connect, and enjoy special moments together. From chocolates and red roses to carefully planned dinners and nights out, this time of year is all about creating memories. In Metro Detroit, SMART is helping couples do just that with SMART After Dark for Valentine’s Day, offering a relaxed, convenient way to enjoy an evening downtown without the usual commuting headaches. 

Anyone who has driven downtown knows the pain points: heavy traffic, crowded streets, expensive parking, and the stress of finding a spot close to your destination. SMART After Dark removes those worries entirely. Instead of navigating congestion or circling blocks for parking, riders can simply park and ride from their local stop and let SMART take care of the rest. It’s an easy, stress-free way to focus on your evening—not the road. 

On Valentine’s Day, SMART After Dark shuttles will begin running at 3:00 p.m. from all five routes, delivering riders directly to Grand Circus Park, the heart of downtown Detroit. Shuttles will run throughout the evening, with the last departure from Grand Circus Park at midnight, giving couples plenty of time to enjoy dinner, dessert, and a romantic night out. 

SMART After Dark will operate across Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties using the following routes: 

Wayne County 

• Route 901: Lincoln Park Community Center and Southgate Meijer
• Route 902: Downtown to Fairlane, continuing to Westland Police Department

Oakland County 

• Route 903: Southfield Greyhound Station and Oakland Community College Orchard  Ridge 
• Route 904: Troy Park & Ride with FAST/Woodward stops and service to Great Lakes  Crossing 

Macomb County 

• Route 905: Sterling Heights Meijer (Van Dyke/16 Mile), North River Park & Ride east  of downtown Mount Clemens, and Lakeside Mall

Downtown Detroit offers no shortage of Valentine’s Day destinations. From fine dining restaurants and intimate bistros to unique gift shops, theaters, and cozy coffee spots perfect for a post-dinner stroll, the city sets the stage for romance. With SMART After Dark, couples can fully enjoy these experiences without worrying about driving back late at night. 

Adding to the fun, riders can expect SMART giveaways and activities on board the shuttles, making the journey itself part of the celebration. It’s a festive, welcoming atmosphere designed to make Valentine’s Day travel enjoyable from start to finish. 

This February, consider a smarter way to celebrate. Skip the traffic, avoid the parking stress, and enjoy a smooth ride into downtown Detroit. With extended evening hours, multiple routes across the tri-county area, and a focus on convenience and comfort, SMART After Dark for Valentine’s Day is here to help love stay in the air—while SMART keeps you on the move.

Learn more by following @SMARTMovesUs on social media.