# Ride SMART Flex

> Use SMART Flex for microtransit rides in Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties!

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/smart.detroit](https://chrome-stats.com/d/smart.detroit)

## Overview

- **ID:** `smart.detroit`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Via Transportation Inc.
- **Category:** TRAVEL\_AND\_LOCAL
- **Downloads:** 56,211
- **Rating:** 4.14 / 5 (509 ratings)
- **Version:** 4.30.0
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-07
- **First published:** 2021-03-05
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 151 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-18
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=smart.detroit)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://ridewithvia.com/legal/privacy](https://ridewithvia.com/legal/privacy)

## Description

Ride SMART Flex offers a smart, easy, affordable, and green ridesharing service across the Detroit area, including Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties. With just a few taps, users can book on-demand rides via the app, getting picked up at nearby corners without detours or delays. This innovative transit option encourages ride sharing to save money and reduce carbon emissions.

SMART Flex emphasizes affordability, allowing rides within its service zone at low prices, with eligible users able to pay via pre-tax commuter benefit cards. The service is sustainable by reducing road congestion and CO2 emissions, contributing positively to urban environmental health. Its connected app provides real-time fixed route schedules and wait times, helping riders navigate the entire SMART network efficiently. Reach out for support or rate the experience to foster continuous improvement.

## Rankings

- #286,027 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.CALL_PHONE`
- `android.permission.CAMERA`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.VIBRATE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE`
- `com.google.android.finsky.permission.BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE`
- `com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES`
- `com.huawei.appmarket.service.commondata.permission.GET_COMMON_DATA`
- `com.samsung.android.mapsagent.permission.READ_APP_INFO`
- `smart.detroit.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`
- `smart.detroit.permission.ACCESS`

## Review summary

Users appreciate the affordability and the friendliness of drivers, with some praising improved pick-up location accuracy. However, the app suffers from frequent crashes, unreliable ride scheduling, and poor GPS/map functionality. Many users experience delayed or canceled rides, limited service areas, and poor coordination between driver and rider apps. While customer service is helpful when reachable, the overall unreliability and app performance issues significantly hinder user experience and trust in the service.

### Pros

- Very affordable compared to services like Uber and Lyft, with some rides offered for free or at a low cost.
- Drivers are generally friendly, careful, professional, and empathetic.
- When the service works, it makes transportation easier for people who rely on it, such as disabled riders or those without cars.
- Customer service center staff are helpful and professional when contacted directly.
- The pick-up and drop-off locations have improved in accuracy after app updates.

### Cons

- The app is often unreliable, crashing, freezing, or failing to load rides, causing frustration and delays.
- Scheduling rides through the app is problematic as rides often don't confirm, get canceled, or change locations without warning.
- The GPS tracking and maps are inaccurate, with drivers sometimes sent in circles or virtual stops placed randomly, leading to delays or no-shows.
- Service coverage is limited, leaving some users out of zone even for short trips, hindering access especially for disabled or job-seeking riders.
- Communication and synchronization issues between riders' app and drivers' app lead to confusion, misinformation, and missed rides.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [FlexRide by TheRide](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.ridewithvia.ana.annarboraaata) — 4,910 users, 4.42 / 5
- [CityBus Flex](https://chrome-stats.com/d/lafayette.rider) — 485 users, 1.67 / 5
- [Accessibili-D](https://chrome-stats.com/d/ridewithvia.dat.detroitav) — 212 users
- [FlexRide Milwaukee](https://chrome-stats.com/d/milwaukee.rider) — 6,666 users, 3.65 / 5
- [Commuter Connect](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.agilemile.commuterconnect) — 546 users
- [Milpitas SMART for drivers](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.rideco.milpitas.partner) — 74 users
- [MTA SmartMove](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.ridewithvia.mtaflint) — 405 users
- [Metro Flex](https://chrome-stats.com/d/ridewithvia.metroflexseattle) — 29,385 users, 4.53 / 5
- [FlexRyd](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.flexride.user)
- [ConnectSmart Mobility](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.connectsmart.carpool.transit.gps.directions.rideshare.navigate) — 18,043 users, 4.55 / 5
- [Go FlexRide](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.ecolane.gctd.app) — 199 users

---

Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/smart.detroit)