Mission

TRU is Detroit’s transit advocate. 

The mission of Transportation Riders United is to improve and promote transit in greater Detroit in order to restore urban vitality, ensure transportation equity and improve quality of life. TRU believes the Detroit region needs a balanced transportation network because transportation investments shape our future. 

Founded in 1999, TRU was incorporated in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.  Specifically, TRU’s purpose is to:

• Improve understanding of and perception towards transit;

• Engage and involve the public in important transportation decisions;

• Watchdog transportation processes and provide transit expertise to decision-makers; and

• Be the public’s voice to ensure transportation investments support the public’s interest in accessibility, affordability, accountability and sustainability.

TRU works on two interrelated fronts: 1) improving the quality of existing bus service to ensure all people have affordable access to their daily needs, and 2) breaking down the barriers to development of rapid transit, including light rail and commuter trains.

Annual Priorities

Our priorities for 2011 are to:

• Defend transit budgets – fight for no cuts within DDOT, SMART, and Michigan

• Advance rapid transit

  • Woodward Light Rail

  • Support HSR & AA-Detroit

• Develop strong, clear long-range policies and plans for advancing transit

• Build and strengthen coalitions and partnerships

  • REMA – Senior Mobility Outreach Partnership

  • Trans4M coalition - Transforming Transportation in Michigan

• Fundraising

 

Detroit Transit Update Email Newsletter

Every week or two, TRU emails out the top Detroit transit news, events, facts, opportunities, and actions.  Review the archives and sign up to receive these important updates.   

TRU Partnerships

TRU is actively involved in a number of partnerships supporting transit in southeast Michigan including:

REMA — The Regional Elder Mobility Alliance, a senior citizen mobility outreach partnership

Trans4M — A coalition making Michigan communities more livable and our economy more robust through transportation policy reform

Transportation Choices — A group of organizations promoting eco-friendly transportation options

Lets Get Moving — A coalition of groups, businesses and individuals who support expansion of public transportation options in Michigan.

TRU Staff

Megan Owens, Executive Director

Ruth Johnson, Organizer & Assistant Director

Jeanean Bryant, Project Coordinator & Office Manager

Board of Directors

Christopher Frey, President (Detroit)
Kelly Logan, Vice President (Dearborn)
Mike Whims, Secretary (Royal Oak)
Kevin Smith, Treasurer (Royal Oak)
Karen Kendrick-Hands (Grosse Pointe Park)
Marie Donigan (Royal Oak)
Deena Fox (Southfield)
Steve Gutterman (Ann Arbor)
Marcia Yakes (Detroit)

Organizational Structure

TRU has an organizational structure that follows non-profit guidelines and allows for effective operation.

 

 

TRU History

Take a look at TRU's history and see how far we have progressed in just a few short years

 Also, check out a history of Transit in Detroit by TRU.

Help us promote quality transit

Join TRU as a member, come to our meetings, give a donation, or just ride the bus yourself – check out DDOT and SMART for maps, routes, schedules and more. Contact Us

Transportation Riders United
500 Griswold, Suite 1650
Detroit, Michigan 48226
TRUmember@DetroitTransit.org
Phone: 313-963-8872   Fax: 313-963-8876