Detroit Department of Transportation | City of Detroit (2024)

FAQs

Does Detroit have good transportation? ›

An estimated one in five households in the city don't have a vehicle, and those who do pay more for auto insurance than people in any other city in the United States. It's not always easy to get around on public transportation either. Buses run late about 40% of the time and almost 10% of them don't come at all.

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is the largest public transit provider in Michigan that serves the city of Detroit, surrounding suburbs, and neighboring cities, including Highland Park and Hamtramck.

All of DDOT's buses and routes are ADA accessible. How much does it cost to ride the bus? Full and reduced fares are available for Dart regional and DDOT passes. The 4-hour pass is $2 and the 24-hour pass is $5.

In the 1920s, Detroit considered replacing its streetcar system with a full blown subway system, but the city abandoned the idea.

Although Detroit continues to shrink in population, this doesn't mean the end for a great American city. Over the past few years, this Michigan staple has invested millions of dollars in public transportation, new roads, parks, and clean-ups of vacant or decrepit structures in and around the metro area.

The city's last streetcar went offline back in the 1950s. A fleet of novelty downtown trolleys ended service in 2003. Yet at several points in history, Detroit came somewhat close to getting a real subway system. What thwarted each plan in the end was a lack of money, lack of political will or sometimes both.

With service running 7 days a week you have the flex-ibility to get where you need and want to go anywhere within these zones.

As you step onto the bus, you can ask the bus driver to confirm that they go to your destination. Pay the fare - $2 for 4 hours of unlimited rides on SMART, DDOT, and QLINE. o The fare box accepts bills and coins like a vending machine.

Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled time. Stand near the bus sign (bus stops are usually located every two-to-three blocks along each route). As the bus approaches, check the destination sign above the windshield. If you have a question about the route, ask the driver before boarding.

Is the Detroit People Mover still free? ›

The Detroit People Mover is operating a zero-fare pilot program, with a fare-free policy for all riders throughout 2024. All passengers can board and ride for free, no fare or passes needed - courtesy of our Presenting Sponsor, Priority Waste.

Yes, the driving distance between Detroit Airport (DTW) to Downtown Detroit is 22 miles. It takes approximately 26 min to drive from Detroit Airport (DTW) to Downtown Detroit.

The best ways to get around Detroit is by car. Many of Detroits most popular things to do can be found within walking distance of one another in the downtown area. For attractions not easily accessible on foot, you can take a taxi or uber. The downtown also has light rail that can help you get around if needed.

Ride the QLine streetcar to Detroit's top sights

Non-drivers, fear not – you can now zip around downtown Detroit easily without a car. Launched in 2017, the QLine streetcar skims along Woodward Ave through downtown, Midtown, New City and the North End neighborhoods, providing access to many of the main sights.

FAST – powered by SMART. FAST is a reliable, high-frequency bus service that connects the city to the suburbs. FAST Gratiot, FAST Woodward and FAST Michigan routes operate every 15-30 minutes for a quick, convenient ride to downtown Detroit from suburban hotels.