Is The Detroit People Mover Free Today?

The Detroit People Mover is an automated elevated light rail system that operates in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It forms a 2.9 mile loop around the central business district, with 13 stations connecting popular destinations like the Renaissance Center, Greektown, Comerica Park, and more.

The People Mover began operation in 1987 after several years of planning and construction. It was originally intended to be part of a larger urban transit plan, but due to lack of funding only the initial downtown loop was built. The system is owned by the city of Detroit and operated by Transdev.

The People Mover runs counterclockwise on a single-track loop with trains arriving every 5-15 minutes. It operates daily from 6:30am to midnight Monday to Thursday, 6:30am to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 8pm on Sundays. Fares are $0.75 per ride and tickets can be purchased at station kiosks.

The Detroit People Mover’s Operations

The Detroit People Mover is an automated monorail system that runs along a 2.9 mile elevated single-track loop in downtown Detroit. The People Mover uses driverless vehicles that operate on electrified guideways and are controlled by computers (People Mover – Detroit).

The People Mover has a total of 13 stations located along the loop, which connects venues like the Renaissance Center, Hart Plaza, Greektown Casino, Comerica Park, and others. Trains stop at each station approximately every 3-5 minutes during operating hours (Operating Schedule | DPM).

The People Mover operates on the following schedule:

• Monday-Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM
• Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

The complete loop takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Riders can get on and off at any station along the route (Riding Information: Fares | DPM).

Fares and Ticketing

The Detroit People Mover typically charges a fare to ride the elevated rail system around downtown Detroit. Fares are paid using tokens, cash, or reusable fare cards. The standard adult fare is $0.75 for a single ride ticket or $4.50 for an all-day pass. Children ages 6-12 can ride for $0.50 with a reduced youth fare. Children under 6 always ride for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

The Detroit People Mover offers discounted fares for seniors ages 65+ and people with disabilities. Eligible riders can obtain a specialized fare card to access the reduced $0.35 fare. Groups of 20 or more people can also purchase discounted tokens and bulk passes ahead of time through the transit service’s group sales program.

However, in 2024 the Detroit People Mover is operating under a Zero-Fare Pilot Program that allows all passengers to ride for free. Effective January 2, 2024, no fares, tickets or passes are required to board and ride the People Mover. This promotional free fare period is expected to continue throughout 2024 to study the impact of free public transportation access.

Free Ride Days

The Detroit People Mover occasionally offers free ride days as a promotional event. These are special days where no fare is required to ride the People Mover.

In the past, free ride days have coincided with large downtown events like the North American International Auto Show, Movement Electronic Music Festival, and the Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony. They are used to encourage the use of public transit and reduce traffic congestion during major events.

Free rides are usually offered on 1-2 days surrounding the main event. For example, during the auto show free rides may be available on the Friday before the show opens through the first Sunday. The specific dates vary each year depending on the event calendar.

Riders are notified of upcoming free ride days through announcements on the Detroit People Mover’s website and social media pages. Signage is also posted at People Mover stations in the weeks leading up to a free ride promotion.

Is It Free Today?

Due to a Zero-Fare Pilot Program that began on January 2, 2024, the Detroit People Mover is currently free to ride for all passengers. There are no fares or passes required to board the People Mover as of https://www.thepeoplemover.com/. This promotion is scheduled to run throughout 2024, allowing riders to travel on the elevated metro system at no cost for the entire year.

According to the official DPM website, “Effective January 2, customers may ride the Detroit People Mover free-of-charge. The system will be operating under a Zero-Fare Pilot Program throughout 2024.” This means no tickets, passes, or payment is needed to board the People Mover currently. Riders simply walk on and ride for free.

Alternatives for Free Transportation

For those looking to get around Detroit without paying for rides on the People Mover, there are some other free public transit options to consider:

The DDOT offers free rides on buses along Woodward Avenue as part of the Free Fare Zone Downtown. While not completely free, DDOT does offer reduced fares for seniors, people with disabilities and students.

Walking and biking are also great options for getting around different neighborhoods and parts of the city. Detroit has been expanding its bike lanes and walkability initiatives in recent years. Just be sure to follow basic safety precautions when traveling on foot or bike.

Those needing transportation assistance can check out programs like Ride United which offers discounted rides and support for getting to jobs, interviews and appointments.

Impact of Free Fares

Implementing free fares on public transportation like the Detroit People Mover can have significant impacts on ridership and city budgets. According to a 2021 study published in the journal ScienceDirect, fare-free public transport has been shown to increase ridership substantially on free fare days. For example, a program offering free weekend subway rides in Boston increased weekend ridership by over 30%. Eliminating fares entirely can boost overall annual ridership by up to 60% in some cities.

However, free fares also impact transit budgets. Public transportation relies heavily on fare revenue, so eliminating fares can result in a budget deficit. Cities must find ways to replace lost fare revenue through increased taxes, cutting services, or seeking alternative funding sources. According to research by MassBudget, the financial impact of free fares can be mitigated by cost savings from fare collection and enforcement. But overall, cities must strategically budget and plan for long-term sustainability if implementing free fares.

Future Outlook

The Detroit People Mover has seen several proposals in recent years to expand service and modify operations. According to Detroit Urbanize City, plans are underway to implement free fares permanently on the People Mover. This change could come as early as 2025 when the current contract with the Detroit Transit Corporation expires.

There have also been discussions of expanding the People Mover system beyond downtown Detroit. As noted by Detroitography.com, one major expansion plan called Detroit People Mover 2.0 proposed adding several new routes and stations.

This would increase connectivity between downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

While no concrete timeline is set, city leaders remain optimistic about the future of the People Mover. Upgrades to the existing operations and potential expansions could make this automated transit system an even more convenient option for getting around Detroit.

Riding Tips and Etiquette

When riding public transportation like the Detroit People Mover, it’s important to follow proper etiquette and rules to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all riders. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Stand to the right on escalators and stairways to allow others to pass on the left. [1]
• Allow passengers to exit before boarding. Don’t rush to get on as soon as the doors open. [2]
• Keep your belongings close and don’t block seats with bags or other items.
• Refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, vandalism, and other prohibited activities.
• Dispose of trash properly in bins.
• Keep noise levels low by avoiding loud conversations or music.
• Always pay your fare and have proof of payment ready if needed.

Following basic rules and polite behavior allows for an orderly, safe, and pleasant trip for all passengers. Be courteous to others, follow instructions from staff, and enjoy the convenience of public transit.

Conclusion

In summary, the Detroit People Mover is a free elevated tram system that provides transportation in downtown Detroit. While it is normally not free, it does offer special free ride days on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are also other options for free transportation in Detroit like the QLine streetcar or DDOT and SMART buses. Riding the People Mover is an easy and efficient way to get around downtown Detroit. Remember to have your fare ready or plan around free ride days to take advantage of this convenient local transit option.

The Detroit People Mover plays an important role in the city’s transportation network. With reliable service and special free days, it gives both locals and visitors access to the best of downtown Detroit. So next time you’re downtown, consider taking a ride on the People Mover to get where you need to go.