The Process

How long will the People Mover system be closed for this project?

To make this necessary update to the track sections due to be replaced as part of our ongoing preventive maintenance program, we will close the system for approximately 11 weeks beginning after Labor Day, with a planned reopening before Thanksgiving Day.

What/why is this project happening? 

Over the 37 years of operations, the Detroit People Mover system has undergone regular, routine maintenance based on best practices for an elevated rail system, to maintain what the transit industry terms a “state of good repair”.  The concrete columns, guideway sections, and every inch of rail are regularly measured, inspected, and maintained to ensure safe, reliable operation.  Based on that program, the wear on these nine curve sections has reached a range where they’re due for proactive replacement. 

What are the benefits of replacing these track sections?

Trackwork construction with new rail has several positive benefits, including extending the life of the system’s infrastructure, improving the passenger experience, and producing both a smoother and quieter ride.  Replacing these sections keeps us on track with our maintenance program and keeps the system in a state of good repair. 

How much of the track is being replaced?

About 20% of the rail track on the 2.9 mile, one-way loop is being replaced on nine curves and adjacent connecting straight track along the Detroit People Mover route. 

Why not replace all of the track?

Track replacement happens based on the wear of a particular section, measured regularly as part of our maintenance program.  The rest of the track has either been replaced in previous projects (based on it wearing faster) or has not worn to a level where track replacement is appropriate at this time. 

How often is track replaced?

This is the third rail replacement project in the history of the Detroit People Mover, with different curves and adjacent track being replaced during similar projects in 2008 and 2016 – but the first time rail in the sections related to this project are being replaced.  After the 2024 project is complete, we anticipate one more of these projects (5 years or more in the future) to replace any remaining original curve sections when they are due, based on precise measurements and wear.

How are the sections of track being replaced?

The rail will be cut and removed with a street mounted crane. The new rail will then be moved into position for installations and welded into place and smoothed out. Additional measurements afterward will confirm the results and ensure a smooth ride.

Why will this People Mover rail improvement project take this long? 

Most maintenance of the Detroit People Mover is done during overnight hours, a few hours at a time, when the system isn’t running. When replacing rail sections, there are several factors that require much longer disruptions to the system. Significant time and effort are needed to stage the both the equipment and rail sections at each curve. Sections are cut and removed, and for each section, new sections are lifted into place and positioned. Then the welding begins, a highly detailed process – followed by measurement and testing of each new section.  By sequencing these steps for the thousands of feet of replacement together, we reduce the overall amount of system interruption, project time, and project cost.

How long will these improvements last?

These curves being replaced are original to the system, or 37 years old.  The new rail sections will continue to be measured and monitored for wear, with an anticipated life of at least 15-30 years.

Where is the maintenance being performed?

The work is needed in seven general areas of the People Mover system’s guideway track.  The seven areas based on closest streets and/or intersections (with closest stations) are:

1. Beaubien at Lafayette (Bricktown, Greektown)

2. Beaubien and Macomb St. from Monroe around to Randolph (Bricktown, Greektown, and Cadillac Center)

3. Park from Woodward to Washington (Grand Circus Park)

4. Bagley near Clifford (Times Square)

5. Cass near Lafayette (Michigan)

6. Atwater and Hart Plaza from Riverwalk to across M-10/Lodge & Jefferson (Financial District)

7. Jefferson and Beaubien from Randolph around to Larned (Millender, Renaissance Center) 

How much will the project cost to replace these sections of rail?

The approximate replacement cost is estimated at $4.985 million, funded through federal and state grants.

Who is on the construction team?

The construction team has extensive experience completing similar projects, on schedule – including for the Detroit People Mover. The Detroit Transportation Corporation and its staff are working with a contracted team led by Delta Railroad Construction, Inc, which specializes in railway, metro and light rail infrastructure. The project also includes Collier Engineering as the surveyor of record for the Detroit People Mover system, and WSP Michigan is providing engineering and advanced technical support to help DTC achieve a successful project. 

On average per day, how many riders use the Detroit People Mover?

So far this calendar year, the People Mover averages approximately 113,000 trips per month or about 3,900 rides per day. The total count fluctuates based upon special events, concerts, conventions, major professional sports and weather conditions.

With the trains parked during the project, how is the People Mover planning to engage and inform the public?

Over the last two years, we’ve worked to modernize the People Mover, with refreshed branding, logo, station technology and exteriors. The community has shown us so much support that we want the growth to continue. So, during our weeks of rail replacements – or “R x R” – we’ll be activating our stations at the street level for some very special experiences that only the People Mover and our local business partners can offer!  These events will include more opportunities for learning – most importantly DTC learning from all of you how we can make the Detroit People Mover an even better part of downtown when we reopen and over the coming years.

How can I stay in the loop if I’m not in the loop?

The project webpage will have regular updates on the schedule, events, and great features on the details and videos on the actual construction project.  Subscribe and follow our social media platforms, sign up for email alerts, and keep an eye out for surveys and other ways to provide your input on the Detroit People Mover right at your fingertips!

What else will be happening while the system is closed for the project?

Detroit Transportation Corporation is using this opportunity to schedule other maintenance and improvement work, especially that needs to be done during daylight hours. When the rail replacement is happening in one area, other activities can occur on station platforms and track areas across other parts of the system. The street level portions of several stations will be activated at various times throughout the project as part of great experiences to promote wellness, gather input, and connect with many of the amazing small businesses that are nearby our stations around Downtown.

What other improvements has the Detroit Transportation Corporation carried out in the last two years?

Since May 2022, the Detroit People Mover has been moving forward on our track of continual improvement, supporting projects that ensure safe, reliable service that equal a positive experience for City residents, Downtown regulars, and international visitors alike!  A few examples of recent updates and new upgrades we’re most proud of include:

• Replacing and upgrading the Closed-Circuit Camera system that monitors all of our stations and facilities

• Replacing and upgrading the Public Address System to provide clearer messages in the stations, including the new capability to play pre-recorded messages and sounds (our first message was specific to Detroit Tigers Opening Day)

• Digital Information Screens on the train platform level that include the real-time arrival information for the next two trains

• Digital Exterior Station Screens at the street level providing information on operating hours, service and event announcements, and other important information inside and outside of the stations

• Touch-Screen, Interactive Information Kiosks at the street level and platform level of every station with custom information on the system and all the businesses, services and destinations you can reach within minutes

• Column accent lighting along Grand Circus Park and Larned sections, capable of displaying custom color themes to coincide with special events, sports teams, and other occasions coordinated with many of the Downtown buildings with similar accent lighting.

What are the other transportation options in the Downtown area?

People Mover is the best way to get around the Downtown, with great views and no traffic – but the transportation network does have some other options that may work for your specific needs in the mean time. Our improvement project is a great chance to check out some of our local mobility partners that can connect with neighborhoods and destinations outside of the core Downtown district even after Thanksgiving:

• Walking - with DDP Downtown Wayfinding

• MoGo Bike Share

• Rentable Scooters (such as Bird, Lime and Spin)

• QLine Streetcar

• DDOT (City of Detroit) Buses

• SMART (Suburban) Buses

• DAX (Detroit Air Xpress) direct service to/from DTW Detroit Metro Airport, operated through the Regional Transit Authority

• D2A2 (Detroit to Ann Arbor Express Bus), operated through the Regional Transit Authority

Will the Detroit People Mover continue its Zero Fare Program into 2025?

The DTC Board of Directors approved a resolution in June 2024 to authorize continuing the Zero Fare program through all of calendar year 2025.