DETROIT (WWJ) – As Detroit prepares for a year full of big events coming to the city, including the 2024 NFL Draft, the Detroit People Mover is making a big move to help people get around.
The DPM is launching a Zero Fare Pilot program, making the automated train free to ride for the entire year, starting Jan. 2.
The Detroit Transportation Corporation’s (DTC) Board of Directors recently approved the pilot program, which “aims to boost ridership at least 50 percent using paid sponsorships to offset the revenue typically collected from riders at the stations.”
Officials, based on passenger feedback and analysis, determined the current fare system is outdated. The current system, all of which is original People Mover equipment, only accepts coins, tokens or magnetic-striped passes bought in advance.
Currently, no electronic purchases for fares are available. Officials also say maintaining and finding parts for fare gate repairs is “a growing challenge.”
Replacing the outdated fare collection system would cost an estimated $5 million dollars, officials said. But such an investment would not be necessary if the Zero Fare Pilot results in long-term implementation, according to DTC General Manager Robert Cramer, who believes free fares will boost People Mover ridership with large crowds expected downtown in 2024.
Cramer says the free rides will “provide Detroit residents, workers and visitors with more access” to big events coming to the city in 2024, including the NFL Draft, Detroit Grand Prix, NCAA Tournament, and more.
The People Mover also offers nearby connections to other transit systems, including the QLine and DDOT buses and other buses at the Rosa Parks Transit Center.
DTC officials say they’ll be able to offset rider fare revenues through sponsorship, “without negative impact to the organization’s budget over the pilot period.” Sponsor support will be announced at a later date.
While People Mover ridership has nearly doubled since 2022, officials say at about 672,000, it’s only at 42% of pre-pandemic levels. The zero-fare pilot is expected to double ridership numbers, according to the DTC.