Ridership Surging On Detroit's People Mover

Successful professional sports teams, the Super Bowl, and downtown growth are cited for their influence in the increase of ridership on the often maligned People Mover.

1 minute read

July 24, 2006, 10:00 AM PDT

By Mike Lydon

"One small piece of downtown Detroit's revival will be evident near Grand Circus Park tonight as baseball fans flow from the People Mover station there toward Comerica Park for a showdown between the first-place Tigers and second-place Chicago White Sox.

As thousands of fans scramble for parking near the ballpark, some will park or dine farther from the stadium and use the light-rail system. As the People Mover approaches its 19th birthday, ridership has jumped 57% this year , boosted by February's Super Bowl crowds, the return of the Red Wings, more conventions and, statistics indicate, improved play by the Tigers.

As downtown Detroit boasts housing and business growth, what is the role of the People Mover? 'It's one of the selling points for downtown,' said Barbara Hansen, general manager of the Detroit Transportation Corp., the train's operator. 'It gets you there unencumbered by other traffic.'"

Thanks to William Kaplowitz

FULL STORY: TRAINS IN TRANSIT: People Mover rides high

Tuesday, July 18, 2006 in

Transportation Michigan

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