Detroit, October 18, 2025
Detroit is undertaking major public transit upgrades focused on expanding and modernizing transit hubs to improve connectivity and reduce congestion. Projects include redevelopment of the former state fairgrounds into a fully indoor State Fair Transit Center with retail and community spaces, the Jason Hargrove Transit Center, a large Coolidge Terminal complex to support bus operations, and a planned bus-and-rail hub at the Michigan Central innovation district. Combined investments and multimodal integration—buses, rail, bike-share, scooters and ride-hailing—aim to deliver more efficient service for riders and stimulate economic activity around transit corridors.
Detroit
Major Infrastructure Upgrades in Detroit’s Public Transit System
Detroit is undergoing significant enhancements to its public transit infrastructure, focusing on expanding and modernizing transit hubs to improve connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion.
State-of-the-Art State Fair Transit Center
Construction is underway to transform the historic Dairy Cattle Barn at the former Michigan State Fairgrounds into a new, state-of-the-art transit center. This facility will serve both Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and SMART riders, as well as accommodate ride-share customers and users of other transportation forms such as MoGo bikes and scooters. The center is expected to open in Spring 2024 and will feature fully indoor service, restroom facilities, retail and community spaces, and outdoor public gathering areas. The project is part of a $31.5 million redevelopment plan, with $7 million funded by Detroit-based Sterling Group.
Jason Hargrove Transit Center
In May 2024, the Jason Hargrove Transit Center opened at the State Fairgrounds, named in honor of the late bus operator Jason Hargrove. This facility serves as a major hub for DDOT and SMART bus routes, providing passengers with protection from the elements and dedicated spaces for transit staff. The center is part of a $31 million redevelopment of the Michigan State Fairgrounds.
Coolidge Terminal Complex
Construction is progressing on the $160 million Coolidge Terminal complex, which will serve as the west side base for DDOT drivers and mechanics. The 200,000-square-foot terminal will provide improved facilities for bus operations and drivers, with the capacity to accommodate 144 buses. The facility is expected to open in late 2025.
New Bus and Rail Hub at Michigan Central
A $40 million investment is planned for a new transportation hub at the 30-acre Michigan Central innovation district. This facility will feature a new passenger rail and intercity bus transit station, serving as a gateway to the city and state. It aims to support economic opportunities with a proposed extension of the Chicago-Detroit Amtrak Wolverine train to Windsor and Toronto. The hub is expected to open by December 31, 2028.
Impact on Traffic Congestion and Economic Activity
These developments are expected to alleviate traffic congestion and support economic activity in surrounding areas by providing modern, efficient transit options for residents and visitors. The integration of various transportation modes, including buses, rail, and ride-sharing services, aims to create a seamless and accessible transit experience across the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the State Fair Transit Center project?
The State Fair Transit Center is a redevelopment project transforming the historic Dairy Cattle Barn at the former Michigan State Fairgrounds into a state-of-the-art transit hub. It will serve both DDOT and SMART riders, as well as accommodate ride-share customers and users of other transportation forms such as MoGo bikes and scooters. The center is expected to open in Spring 2024 and will feature fully indoor service, restroom facilities, retail and community spaces, and outdoor public gathering areas. The project is part of a $31.5 million redevelopment plan, with $7 million funded by Detroit-based Sterling Group.
When did the Jason Hargrove Transit Center open?
The Jason Hargrove Transit Center opened in May 2024 at the State Fairgrounds, named in honor of the late bus operator Jason Hargrove. This facility serves as a major hub for DDOT and SMART bus routes, providing passengers with protection from the elements and dedicated spaces for transit staff. The center is part of a $31 million redevelopment of the Michigan State Fairgrounds.
What is the Coolidge Terminal complex?
The Coolidge Terminal complex is a $160 million project serving as the west side base for DDOT drivers and mechanics. The 200,000-square-foot terminal will provide improved facilities for bus operations and drivers, with the capacity to accommodate 144 buses. The facility is expected to open in late 2025.
What is the new bus and rail hub at Michigan Central?
A $40 million investment is planned for a new transportation hub at the 30-acre Michigan Central innovation district. This facility will feature a new passenger rail and intercity bus transit station, serving as a gateway to the city and state. It aims to support economic opportunities with a proposed extension of the Chicago-Detroit Amtrak Wolverine train to Windsor and Toronto. The hub is expected to open by December 31, 2028.
How will these transit developments impact traffic congestion and economic activity?
These developments are expected to alleviate traffic congestion and support economic activity in surrounding areas by providing modern, efficient transit options for residents and visitors. The integration of various transportation modes, including buses, rail, and ride-sharing services, aims to create a seamless and accessible transit experience across the city.
Key Features of Detroit’s Public Transit Upgrades
| Project | Location | Investment | Expected Completion | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Fair Transit Center | Former Michigan State Fairgrounds | $31.5 million | Spring 2024 | Indoor service, restroom facilities, retail and community spaces, outdoor public gathering areas |
| Jason Hargrove Transit Center | State Fairgrounds | Part of $31 million redevelopment | May 2024 | Protection from elements, dedicated spaces for transit staff |
| Coolidge Terminal Complex | West side of Detroit | $160 million | Late 2025 | Improved facilities for bus operations and drivers, capacity for 144 buses |
| New Bus and Rail Hub at Michigan Central | Michigan Central innovation district | $40 million | December 31, 2028 | Passenger rail and intercity bus transit station, gateway to the city and state |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.