DETROIT (WWJ) -- The People Mover has been a Detroit staple for almost 40 years, but recently, it's undergone a few major changes.
Some of the upgrades were rolled out to coincide with the 2024 NFL Draft this past spring — but many Detroiters have yet to experience them.
With event season in full swing in the city — which includes the 66th annual Ford Fireworks on Monday night — here are some reasons to consider using the People Mover to get around Downtown Detroit this summer:
It’s totally free to ride through 2024
For many years, it cost 75 cents to ride the People Mover, but that changed this past year.
Back in January, the Detroit Transportation Corporation’s (DTC) Board of Directors approved a Zero Fare Pilot program, making the automated train free to ride for the entire year as the city hosted big events like the NFL Draft, the Detroit Grand Prix and more.
DTC officials say they have been working to offset rider fare revenues through sponsorship. Currently, the trains can be seen sporting custom wraps bearing the logos of companies like Corewell Health and Priority Waste, while ads can also be found in the People Mover stations, and within the trains themselves.
The Zero-Fare pilot is expected to double ridership numbers, according to the DTC.
Touchscreen kiosks show you more than just the route
Each of the People Mover’s 13 stations across the downtown area have recently received some tech upgrades.
Big screens mounted just above the tracks help commuters see when the next train is expected and feature an estimated time for their wait.
Meanwhile, new touchscreen kiosks at the stations show not only your route, but also feature the top spots in food, entertainment and other popular attractions that can be found around each People Mover stop in the downtown area, helping riders to navigate the city and all it has to offer.
Stations have been cleaned up and are accessible to all
Speaking of the People Mover stations, Detroiters might discover that they’re looking a little tidier these days.
Detroit Transportation Corp. officials say a strict cleaning schedule is being maintained for all 13 stations. Additionally, unique art installations can be enjoyed at each stop.
The People Mover is also wheelchair accessible, and there are elevators, escalators and ramps available at all stations.
You can take in great views of the city while heading to your destination
Take the stress out of downtown travel and grab some cheaper parking while getting unique views of the city!
Simply park near one of the stations and hop on the People Mover to avoid the congestion of traffic as you ride above the traffic on the elevated light-rail system.
The one-way loop covers 2.9 miles of Downtown Detroit, with 3-4 trains running at any given time and arriving at stations approximately every 3 to 15 minutes. It connects riders to popular locations in the city such as the Renaissance Center, Huntington Place, Grand Circus Park and Greektown, among others.
The People Mover is a great way to take in some of Detroit's most iconic sights, like the Detroit Riverwalk, Comerica Park, Ford Field and the Ren Cen, plus beautiful views across the river of Canada and more.
It also offers nearby connections to other transit systems, including the QLine and DDOT buses, and buses at the Rosa Parks Transit Center, to get you where you need to go.
‘New’ cars are also on the way from our neighbors to the north
The Detroit Transportation Corp. announced earlier this month their plans to purchase the cars from the Toronto Transit Commission, which operated a similar service until it was shut down last year.
The cars from Toronto would replace Detroit’s existing fleet, which has been in use since the People Mover began operations in the late 1980s.
Detroit City Council recently approved $38.5 million in funding for the People Mover, which would cover five years of a $6.5 million operating subsidy and $6 million to complete the purchase of the cars, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The switch to the new cars is expected to be completed within about 18 months.
The People Mover will have extended hours for the 66th annual Ford Fireworks in Downtown Detroit on Monday -- from 7 a.m. until midnight. Riders can exit at the Financial District Station to view the show at Spirit Plaza or Hart Plaza. Due to early closures, trains will not stop at the Huntington Place or Detroit Renaissance Center stations after 2 p.m.