The Breakdown:
- Following a mobility study safety, lighting, signage and accessibility upgrades will come for the nearly 40-year-old Detroit People Mover.
- A 2027 alternatives analysis will explore new train cars and potential route extensions to areas such as Corktown and Eastern Market.
- Public input will be gathered through meetings as officials weigh facility improvements and possible expansion of the elevated downtown loop.
DETROIT — Safety upgrades and possible new routes are on the horizon for the Detroit People Mover. The Detroit Transportation Corporation recently released its mobility study, which outlines priorities like near-term improvements and talks of an additional study to explore expansion.
Riders could see changes inside stations first, including better lighting, clearer signage and enhanced accessibility, according to the system’s leadership.
For rider Brie Harrison, who has been using the People Mover since childhood, talks of expansion are exciting.
“I remember sitting here and watching the river and being amazed we were right above the water,” Harrison said. “I’m like, that’s so cool.”
The People Mover, which opened in 1987, operates a 2.9-mile elevated loop through downtown. The new study recommends upgrades aimed at making the aging system safer, easier to navigate, and more inviting, especially as the city continues to redevelop its core.
General manager Melia Howard said improving existing facilities is the priority.
The study also talked about plans for an alternative analysis in 2027 that would examine things like new rail cars and additional routes. Routes the analysis will consider include routes serving Michigan Central and Corktown via Michigan Avenue; the Stadium District and Eastern Market via Comerica Park and Ford Field; and the west riverfront connecting to Ralph C. Wilson Park and the proposed Detroit City Football Club stadium.
Rider Rueben Foreman, who often parks downtown and uses the People Mover before work or to grab lunch, said he welcomes the idea of expansion.
“That would be perfect,” Foreman said.
He is especially interested in a line reaching Eastern Market.
“I would love that Eastern Market because, you know, I go there and get my meats and things like that,” Foreman said.
Howard said the forthcoming analysis will look at a lot of different avenues.
“Taking in consideration of routes, how do we install new pylons, new railing? How do we do all of those things to get around other potential buildings, curves, rights-of-way?” Howard said. “That’s a part of it if you’re looking towards expansion.”
Howard said public input will be a key part of the study process. Howard said residents will be invited to attend meetings, ask questions and offer responses.
