News Summary
Detroit marks the 38th anniversary of its People Mover, the automated transit system that began operation in 1987. The celebration includes a new station name, Water Square Station, and a fresh voice for announcements, symbolizing the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation. The People Mover, once a historic part of Detroit’s rail transit system, now offers fare-free rides, reflecting its commitment to revive and modernize urban transit in the city.
Detroit is celebrating the 38th anniversary of its People Mover, an automated transportation system that opened on July 31, 1987. This milestone is marked by not only the anniversary itself but also by a significant name change for one of its stations and the introduction of a new voice for announcements.
The People Mover, which operates in Downtown Detroit, symbolizes a renewed effort to enhance urban transit options. With its opening, it signified a new chapter in Detroit’s long and storied history of rail transit, harkening back to the beginnings of horse-pulled streetcars in the late 1800s.
Historically, Detroit once had one of the most extensive rail transit systems in the United States. The introduction of horse-powered railways allowed residents to live farther from their workplaces, reshaping the urban landscape. However, the advantages of horse-drawn transit came with significant drawbacks, including sanitation issues. In New York alone, an estimated 1.3 million pounds of horse manure were produced daily, leading to public health concerns. This prompted a transition to electric streetcars, particularly following a devastating horse epidemic in 1872 that claimed thousands of horses in various cities, including Detroit.
By the early 1920s, Detroit had the largest municipal street railway system in the country. However, ambitions for further developments in public transport were stunted after a proposal for an underground sidewalk transportation system was halted due to the stock market crash of 1929. After World War II, the decline of streetcar systems favored bus transportation, ultimately leading to the cessation of streetcar operations in Detroit by 1956.
Despite challenges in funding, the development of the People Mover was made possible through a substantial $600 million allocation by President Gerald Ford for a rail transit system. Construction began in 1983 to explore the potential of automated transit technology as a cost-effective alternative to the bus systems. At its opening, the fare for a ride was 50 cents, which increased to 75 cents in 2011. In 2023, the People Mover transitioned to a fare-free operation for all riders.
As of 2008, the People Mover was only carrying about 7,500 passengers daily, which represented merely 2.5% of its total capacity. A change in operation was introduced later that year, when the trains began running clockwise, increasing travel speeds to 56 miles per hour. This underscores the ongoing evolution and underutilization of the People Mover, symbolizing both the potential and the struggles of mass transit systems in Detroit.
Recent upgrades have included positive changes such as offering free rides during special events, which has garnered favorable feedback from tourists. The station at the former Joe Louis Arena has been renamed to Water Square Station, recognizing the newly developed Water Square neighborhood that includes the Residences Water Square and a JW Marriott hotel, set to open in 2027. City officials have also announced plans for the Second Avenue Extension, which aims to improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
The People Mover is also adopting a new voice for the first time in its history, with announcements now provided by Lloyd Jackson, a longtime Detroit radio host. These changes reflect the city’s commitment to reinvigorate public transportation and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Detroit, as expressed by city officials, including Mayor Mike Duggan.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Detroit Celebrates 38 Years of the People Mover
Detroit Leaders Launch Community-Owned Business Schools
Belle Isle Closes to Vehicles Ahead of Ford Fireworks Event
Belle Isle Closes to Vehicle Traffic Ahead of Ford Fireworks
Detroit Embraces Car-Free Exploration
Detroit Gears Up for Memorial Day Weekend Events
Enhanced Security Measures Implemented at Detroit Transit Centers
Detroit’s Ford Fireworks Set to Dazzle in 2025
Detroit City Council Approves $3.02 Billion Budget
Detroit Girls Embrace Construction Skills during Demolition Week
Additional Resources
- Click on Detroit: 38 Years Ago Detroit’s People Mover Begins Moving People
- Google Search: Detroit People Mover
- Michigan Daily: Ride Every Stop – The Detroit People Mover and Public Transport
- Google Scholar: Detroit public transit
- Detroit Free Press: Smart Bus Leader Resigns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit public transportation
- Deadline Detroit: Is It Too Late for Detroit to Have a First-Rate Public Transit System?
- Google News: Detroit transit
- Bridge Detroit: Detroit Mayor Candidates Transit Forum
- Wikipedia: Transportation in Detroit
