Detroit is a city in Michigan, United States, and is the county seat of Wayne County. The most populous city in Michigan and the 21st largest city in the U.S. with a population of approximately 700,000, Detroit is known for its automobile manufacturing, museums, artistic landscape, and sports franchises. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is the city’s main aviation facility.
Public transportation in Detroit includes public bicycles, buses, the subway and the streetcar. MoGo offers public bike rentals, while the Detroit Department of Transportation operates the regular green and yellow buses. An additional bus service called SMART provides specialised transport. The metro system, known as the Detroit People Mover, and the QLine, a streetcar service, complete Detroit’s public transportation system.
The transit system commonly known as the ‘People Mover’ unfortunately does not provide information on average daily ridership or fares. It does not operate 24 hours a day, but does offer the comfort of air conditioning. However, passengers are not allowed to walk between platforms. Interestingly, the People Mover has been using driverless trains, specifically Linear Induction Motor (LIM) technology, in the city centre since 1987. However, the platforms do not have screen doors.
The maximum speed of the system is 56 km/h. It operates from 6am to midnight Monday to Thursday, 6.30am to 2am on Fridays, 9am to 2am on Saturdays and noon to midnight on Sundays. The minimum fare is $0.75.
Detroit Metro Map
Map of Detroit Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Detroit Metro map in PDF format.
Historical Overview
Plans for a new rail service in Detroit date back to 1966, when the Urban Mass Transportation Administration (UMTA) was formed. The People Mover project, proposed by UMTA in 1975, encountered funding problems and was delayed beyond its original completion date in the early 1980s. The Detroit Transportation Corporation (DTC), formed in 1967, took over construction of the subway in 1985.
The people mover officially opened on 31 July 1987. During its first year, the Urban Transportation Development Corporation (UTDC) owned the metro, but it is now owned by the DTC.
In its early years, the metro operated in a counter-clockwise direction along its 13-station loop. However, following maintenance work, the metro service was reconfigured to run clockwise from 20 July 2008.
Detailed Information
The Detroit People Mover, Detroit’s metro service, opened on 31 July 1987 and has 13 stations in its network. The service only connects to the QLine. Passengers from the airport will need to take both bus routes 125 and 19 to get to Broadway Station, the nearest metro station. Trains generally run between 6:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. A single trip costs $0.75, and passengers can purchase ride passes. The metro is often overcrowded during popular sporting events, so it is advisable to avoid travelling during these times. Each station features unique mosaic artwork created by different artists. There are currently no plans to extend the metro. Most stations are within walking distance of many tourist attractions.
Lines and Stations of the People Mover
The People Mover operates a single line comprising the following 13 stations:
1. Broadway Station:
Located at 1441 West Broadway at John R in a YMCA building, this station has a single side platform. The area is home to theatres, antique shops, general stores and music venues. Nearby parking options include the Opera House Garage, Ford Field Parking Structure, Premiere Underground Garage, and Gem and Century Parking Deck.
2. Times Square Station:
The People Mover’s main station is located at 1250 Park, between Washington Boulevard and Cass, on Grand River Avenue. It is home to the maintenance building and the metro operator. Local attractions include Level One Bank and Eve’s Downtown Gourmet, although parking is not available nearby.
3. Grand Circus Park Station:
Located at 9 Park Street near Woodward Avenue, this station has three side platforms. It’s near Grand Circus Park and surrounded by theatres and sports facilities. Parking is available at the Grand Circus Park Garage and the Fox Theatre Garage.
4. Fort/Cass Station:
Located at 711 Cass Avenue near Fort Street, this station has a single side platform and parking at Park-Rite Lafayette and Newport. Nearby attractions include the headquarters of the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press newspapers and the world’s largest bookstore.
5. Michigan Avenue Station:
Located at 1220 Cass Avenue near Michigan Avenue, this station sees around 150,000 passengers a year. Public parking is available and a nearby attraction is a statue of Alexander Macomb, a general in the War of 1812.
6. Joe Louis Arena Station:
Located at 600 Civic Center Drive between Jefferson Avenue West and Third Street, this station serves approximately 180,000 passengers annually. It offers parking in the Joe Louis Arena Garage and is close to family-friendly entertainment venues. Named after 1937 world boxing champion Joe Louis, the station is close to Wayne County Community College.
7. Cobo Center Station:
Located at 1 Washington Boulevard between Congress Street and Cass Street, this station opened in 1989 on the third floor of the Cobo Center Building. Known as a premier convention venue, the Cobo Center Building regularly hosts business conventions and concerts. Several parking options are available nearby.
8. Millender Center Station:
Located on the 5th floor of the Millender Center Building at 333 East Jefferson Avenue, this station serves approximately 95,000 passengers annually. It provides easy access to the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center and the Renaissance Center, and serves guests of the Courtyard Marriott Hotel. Parking is available nearby.
9. Financial District Station:
Located in the 150 West Jefferson building at 133 West Larned, the station serves about 76,000 passengers a year. Several bank headquarters are nearby, as is Hart Plaza, a popular venue for ethnic festivals. Several parking facilities are available nearby.
10. Bricktown Station:
Located between East Fort Street and Beaubien Street, near Congress Street, this station offers parking at Miller Congress Parking, Greektown Casino Parking Garage and Millender Center Parking Garage.
11. Greektown Station:
Located at 1055 Beaubien Street, on the third floor of the Greektown Casino, this is the busiest station on the People Mover line with approximately 560,000 passengers a year. The station is named after the historic Greektown district and is surrounded by a variety of international restaurants and cafes. Parking is available at the Greektown Garage and the Greektown Casino Hotel Parking Garage.
12. Renaissance Center Station:
Located at 400 East Jefferson Avenue, on Floor 2A of Tower 200, this station offers parking at six nearby locations including the Port Atwater Parking Structure, Center Garage, Renaissance Center Valet Parking, Detroit River Walk, Wheelhouse Bike Rentals and Mariner’s Church.
13. Cadillac Center Station:
Located at 110 Gratiot Avenue, between Library Street and Farmer Street, this station offers parking in four locations: Merchant’s Row Valet Parking, First National Garage, Premier Underground Parking and HDS Parking.
Interlinking of People Mover with Other Services
The People Mover metro is exclusively connected to the QLine light railway. Connections are available at Grand Circus Park station.
Connecting the Airport with People Mover
The People Mover does not provide direct access to Detroit Metropolitan Airport. To get to the nearest Metro station (Broadway Station) from the airport, walk to the Metro Airport McNamara Terminal. From there, take the northbound 125 bus for approximately 45 minutes. After 74 stops, get off at Outer Drive and Fort. Walk to Fort and West Outer Drive. Then take bus 19 eastbound to Fort for about 30 minutes. After 48 stops, alight at Rosa Parks Transit 49 EB. Walk 0.5 miles to Broadway Station.
Schedule, Timetables, and Operating Hours
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 6:30 am to 12:00 am.
Friday: 6:30 am to 2:00 am.
Saturday: 9:00 am to 2:00 am.
Sunday: 12:00 noon to 12:00 noon.
Train frequency: Trains will arrive every three minutes.
Total journey time: It takes approximately 20 minutes to travel through all 13 stations.
Fare, Passes, and Tokens
– Single rides: Each ride costs $0.75, payable in cash or by token. Acceptable coins include quarters, dimes and nickels.
– Passes: There are currently six types of passes available: the 2017 Annual Pass ($100), the 0717 Taekwondo 1 ($6), the 0717 Taekwondo 2 ($6), August 2017-8 ($10), June 2017-6 ($10) and July 2017-7 ($10).
- 2017 Annual Pass ($100): Offers unlimited travel from January to December. This pass is more cost-effective than purchasing 12 individual monthly passes. Senior discounts are available. The pass is mailed to your address by the US Postal Service.
- 0717 Taekwondo 1 ($6): This pass provides unlimited rides to the USA Taekwondo National Championships from 29 June – 2 July 2017. Orders can be placed online until 19 June 2017. After that date, they can be purchased by phone or in person at customer service offices. This pass is available at the DTC Administrative Office, The Bull Building, 535 Griswold, Suite 400.
- 0717 Taekwondo 2 ($6): This pass provides unlimited rides to the USA Taekwondo National Championships from 3 July to 6 July 2017.
- August 2017-8 ($10): This monthly pass provides unlimited rides for the month of August. If ordered online or by phone, it will be mailed to you via the US Postal Service and usually arrives within 7 business days. Passes can also be purchased in person at the DTC Administrative Office, DDOT Rosa Parks Transit Center and SMART Sales Office (Buhl Building).
- June 2017-6 ($10): Another monthly pass that provides unlimited rides during the month of June.
- July 2017-7 ($10): This pass provides unlimited rides for the month of July.
Utilizing the People Mover
Don’t miss the stunning views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario as you ride the subway.
It’s a good idea to carry a camera on your Metro ride as it provides excellent photo opportunities of Detroit.
The subway is an effective way to travel between restaurants, museums, sports and entertainment venues.
The Metro tends to be overcrowded during popular sporting events. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid the subway during such occasions.
Regulations
- All platforms in the metro are marked with a yellow line. Make sure you stay behind this line while waiting for the metro.
- CCTV cameras are installed on Metro trains for security purposes.
- Loitering in stations or trains is strictly prohibited.
- Both stations and trains are smoke free.
- Consumption of food or drink or bringing uncovered drinks into stations or trains is not allowed.
- Activities such as jumping or running are not allowed in escalators, lifts, stations and trains.
- In case of emergency, please call the emergency number 001 313 963 0171 from your mobile phone or use the emergency phone provided in trains and stations.
- Adults are expected to supervise their children in stations and trains.
- It is compulsory to wear shoes on the Underground. Make sure your shoelaces are tied.
- If you are injured while using the Metro, contact Metro staff or the emergency number to receive first aid or be transported to hospital if necessary.
- Always keep an eye on your belongings such as rucksacks, luggage, etc. when travelling by metro.
- Radios are not allowed on the Metro premises.
- For information on overcrowded days due to special events, please contact the metro customer service.
- For safety reasons, do not block or lean against the doors of the train.
- Green emergency buttons are available at stations. Use them to communicate with Metro staff in an emergency.
Interesting Facts
Each station is a showcase of art, mainly mosaics. Below is a list of the artwork on display at each station, with the name of the artwork followed by the name of the artist:
- Broadway Station: “The Blue Nile” by Charles McGee.
- Times Square Station: “In Honour of W. Hawkins Ferry” by Tom Phardel and Pewabic Pottery.
- Grand Circus Park Station: A sculpture called “Catching Up” by J. Seward Johnson.
- Fort/Cass Station: An unnamed mosaic by Farley Tobin.
- Michigan Avenue Station: “Voyage” by Allie McGhee.
- Joe Louis Arena Station: “Voyage” by Gerome Kamrowski.
- Cobo Center Station: “Calvacade of Cars” by Larry Ebel and Linda Cianciolo Scarlett.
- Millender Center Station: “Detroit New Morning” by Alvin Loving Jr.
- Financial District Station: “‘D’ for Detroit” by Jorge Kozloff.
- Bricktown Station: “Baubieu Passage” by Glen Michaels.
- Greektown Station: An artwork created with light bulbs called “Neon for the Greektown Station” by Stephen Antonakos.
- Renaissance Centre Station: A sculpture called “Siberian Ram” by Marshall Fredericks.
- Cadillac Centre Station: “In Honor of Marry Chase Stratton” by Diana Kulisek and Pewabic Pottery.
The metro operates autonomously, without a driver.
Cobo Station is named after Albert E. Cobo, a prominent former mayor of Detroit.
Upcoming Extensions
At present, there are no ongoing discussions about expanding the metro. Previously, there were plans to extend the People Mover to the New Centre district. However, with the new QLine now serving this route, plans to extend the People Mover to the New Centre district have been dropped.
Attractions in Close Proximity
The following section lists attractions that are within walking distance from each metro station, including the station’s name, the name of the attraction, and its address:
- 1. Broadway Station:
- 1.1) 3Fifty Terrace at the Music Hall: 350 Madison.
- 1.2) 1515 Broadway Theater: 1515 Broadway.
- 1.3) 36th District Court: 421 Madison Municipal Building.
- 1.4) Comerica Park: 2100 Woodward Avenue.
- 1.5) Boll Family Downtown YMCA: 1401 Broadway.
- 1.6) Detroit Opera House: 241 Madison.
- 1.7) Detroit Athletic Club: Also at 241 Madison.
- 1.8) Gem Theater and Century Grille: 333 Madison Avenue.
- 1.9) Ford Field: 2000 Brush Street.
- 1.10) PuppetArt Detroit Puppet Theater: 25 East Grand River.
- 1.11) Music Hall: 350 Madison.
- 1.12) Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center, The Arts League of Michigan: 311 East Grand River.
- 2. Times Square Station:
- 2.1) Rosa Parks Transit Center: 360 Michigan Avenue.
- 2.2) PT in the D: 1420 Washington Boulevard.
- 2.3) Painting with a Twist: Also at 1420 Washington Boulevard.
- 3. Grand Circus Park Station:
- 3.1) Central United Methodist Church: 23 East Adams.
- 3.2) City Club: 400 Bagley.
- 3.3) Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney Building: 1 Park Avenue.
- 3.4) ComePlayDetroit Studio: 110 Clifford.
- 3.5) City Theatre: 2301 Woodward Avenue.
- 4. Fort/Cass Station
- 4.1) Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau: 211 West Fort Street.
- 4.2) Detroit Newspapers: 615 West Lafayette.
- 4.3) Fort Street Presbyterian Church: 631 West Fort Street.
- 4.4) Doubletree Guest Suites Forts Shelby: 525 West Lafayette Boulevard.
- 4.5) WDIV TV4: 550 West Lafayette.
- 4.6) The Detroit Club: 712 Cass.
- 5. Michigan Avenue Station
- 5.1) The Spa Book Cadillac: 1114 Washington Boulevard.
- 5.2) Crossfit in the D: 150 Michigan Avenue.
- 5.3) The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit: Also at 1114 Washington Boulevard.
- 6. Joe Louis Arena Station
- 6.1) Joe Louis Arena: 600 Civic Center Drive.
- 6.2) Detroit River Walk: City of Detroit Riverfront.
- 7. Cobo Center Station
- 7.1) Detroit Princess Riverboat: 201 Civic Center Drive.
- 7.2) Cobo Convention Center: 1 Washington Boulevard.
- 7.3) Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, Cobo Conference Center: Also at 1 Washington Boulevard.
- 7.4) UAW-Ford National Programs Center: 151 West Jefferson Avenue.
- 8. Millender Center Station
- 8.1) Courtyard Marriott: 333 East Jefferson Millender Center.
- 9. Financial District Station
- 9.1) Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce: One Woodward Avenue Suite 1900.
- 9.2) Crowne Plaza Ponchartrain Hotel: 2 Washington Boulevard.
- 9.3) Hart Plaza: Jefferson Avenue at the Riverfront.
- 9.4) Drive Table Tennis Social Club: 645 Griswold Penobscot Building #144.
- 10. Bricktown Station
- Currently, no attractions are located near this station.
- 11. Greektown Station
- 11.1) Ford Field: 2000 Brush Street.
- 11.2) Atheneum Hotel: 1000 Brush.
- 11.3) Greektown Casino: 555 East Lafayette Street.
- 11.4) Frank Murphy Hall of Justice: 1441 St. Antoine, 9th Floor.
- 11.5) Old Saint Mary’s Church: 646 Monroe.
- 11.6) Historic Second Baptist Church: 441-446 Monroe Street.
- 12. Renaissance Center Station
- 12.1) Detroit River Walk: GM Wintergarden.
- 12.2) Detroit Marriott-Renaissance Center: GM Ren Center Level 3.
- 12.3) Detroit Wayne County Port Authority: 130 East Atwater.
- 12.4) Detroit Riverfront Playpark: Atwater and Rivard.
- 12.5) Mariner’s Church: 170 East Jefferson.
- 12.6) GM Models’ Showroom: GM Renaissance Center Wintergarden Level A.
- 12.7) Segways 2U: 100 Renaissance Center Jefferson Lobby.
- 12.8) Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Rentals: 1340 East Atwater Street.
- 12.9) Tour Renaissance Center: 400 Renaissance Center.
- 13. Cadillac Center Station
- 13.1) Citizen Yoga: 122 4 Library Street.
- 13.2) Campus Martius Park: 1 Campus Martius.
- 13.3) Hilton Garden Inn-Detroit: 351 Gratiot Avenue.
- 13.4) Detroit Library Skillman Branch: 121 Gratiot Street.
- 13.5) Detroit Experience Factory: 123 Monroe Street.