Detroit People Mover Gets Green Light for $800K Update Study To Modernize Downtown Transit

Plans are moving ahead to revamp Detroit's elevated rail system. The Detroit Transportation Corporation started an $800,000 analysis of the People Mover, aiming to adapt the transit line to downtown's new needs.

"An office district, not a lot of residents. Not as many sports teams and events. And really, I think the biggest impetus is the continued growth of downtown as a residential neighborhood," said Robert Cramer, CEO of Detroit Transportation Corporation, according to WXYZ.

The analysis will target both short-term fixes and major system upgrades. Quick changes could bring new station names, better signs, platform improvements, and possible two-way service on what's now a one-direction loop.

Future plans might extend the rail's reach. "Maybe expanding the entire footprint of the loop or even adding some spurs out to some major development areas. So, everything's on the table," Cramer said.

Officials want public input through thepeoplemover.com/study. The online poll asks about travel habits and places needing better access.

Daily users point out what works and what needs work. Joe Gehringer rides between his workplace and city events. "When I do ride it, it gets me to where I need to go. We're right downtown, so most of the time, we walk but for this one, it's a convenience going from our work building to a concert down here," Gehringer said.

The bumpy ride bothers some passengers. "Get rid of the jerking around a little bit," Gehringer said.

The transit study will be finished in 2026.