Detroit People Mover: Free Rides in 2024
The Detroit Transit Corporation’s (DTC) Board of Directors announced that the People Mover is set to undergo a Zero-Fare Pilot program in 2024.
To boost ridership by a targeted 50%, the newly introduced Zero Fare pilot program seeks to leverage paid sponsorships as an alternative to the conventional revenue collection from passengers at stations. This departure from the current fare collection system, which currently excludes electronic payment options and only accepts coins, tokens, or pre-paid cards with magnetic strips, comes with an estimated cost of $5 million for system updates.
Zero Fare Pilot program ahead of NFL Draft
Timed alongside major downtown events in the upcoming year, such as the NFL Draft, the Zero Fare Pilot aims to offer Detroit residents, workers, and visitors unrestricted access to events and services. The NFL Draft, scheduled for April 25-27, 2024, is anticipated to draw large crowds to downtown Detroit, including locations like Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.
Distinguished by its 2.2-mile loop around downtown Detroit, the People Mover and the 3-mile Qline provide urban commuters with distinct transit options. Despite their proximity, these two transit systems operate independently.
In comparison, the Qline, nearing 1 million rides this year according to its website, also implements a free fare program. A temporary closure on New Year’s Day will be observed by the People Mover, with normal operations resuming on January 2, offering free rides.
According to the press release, DTC plans to cover rider fare revenues through sponsorships during the pilot period, without impacting the organization’s budget. Details on sponsor support will be provided later. Although People Mover ridership has almost doubled since 2022, reaching around 672,000, it’s still 42 percent of pre-pandemic levels. Improvements to maintenance, operations, and facilities, along with increased outreach and marketing, aim to enhance the rider experience and contribute to the success of the region and Downtown Detroit.
Looking ahead, the Board of Directors plans to assess the progress and viability of the Zero Fare program in July, shaping the future direction of this initiative. To stay informed about Detroit People Mover announcements and board meetings, regularly check their website for updates.
Michigan Is One Of The Angriest States In America
10. Michigan
Michigan ranked number 10 on Best Life’s Angriest States in America list with an anger index score of 33.08. Though Michigan’s fatalities caused by road rage is only 0.1 percent, its hate crimes per capita is at 7.7 percent.
9. Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranked number 9 on Best Life’s Angriest States in America list with an anger index score of 37.39. Toxic internet comments were a part of the study and this state scored high with 6.8 percent. Massachusetts hate crimes per capita is at 5.63. Lower than Michigan’s in the number 10 spot.
8. New Jersey
New Jersey ranked number 8 on Best Life’s Angriest States in America list with an anger index score of 42.83 percent. New Jersey also made it onto Alcohol.org’s angriest states list.
7. Connecticut
Connecticut ranked number 7 on Best Life’s Angriest States in America list with an anger index score of 43.08 percent. The state has 5.7 percent of fatalities caused by road rage with a low road rage fatalities per capita at 0.4 percent.
6. Washington
Washington ranked number 6 on Best Life’s Angriest States in America list with an anger index score of 46.90 percent. They also served up a high toxic internet comments percentage of 6.8 according to the Best Life study.
5. Vermont
Vermont ranked number 5 on Best Life’s Angriest States in America list with an anger index score of 55.34 percent. Though the fatalities caused by road rage are at zero percent. The state is at 5.29 percent hate crimes per capita.
4. Indiana
Indiana ranked number 4 on Best Life’s Angriest States in America list with an anger index score of 64.20. The state also came in with high percentages with fatalities caused by road rage at 10 percent and hate crimes per capita at 1.11 percent.
3. South Carolina
South Carolina ranked number 3 on Best Life’s Angriest States in America list with an anger index score of 70.42 percent. The state’s high toxic internet comments percentage was at 9.8 percent according to the Best Life study.
2. Colorado
Colorado ranked number 2 on Best Life’s Angriest States in America list with an anger index score of 70.42. Their road rage per capita is low at 0.9 percent. However, the study shows that fatalities caused by road rage in Colorado are at 9.5%.
1. Alabama
Alabama ranked number 1 on Best Life’s Angriest States in America list with an anger index score of 100. The only 100 anger index score on the list. At the time of the study Alabama had limited data on hate crimes per capita.
