Far from what some people claim that Detroit has no transit, the Detroit region has several transit agencies that together provide over 120,000 rides each day (pre-COVID #s).
DDOT
DDOT, a department of the City of Detroit, provides fixed-route service throughout the City of Detroit as well as in portions of neighboring suburban communities, including Dearborn, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Livonia, and Southfield, among others. The agency provides ADA paratransit service through MetroLift.
For more info, see https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-department-transportation or call (313) 933-1300
SMART
SMART operates transit service in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. SMART provides a variety of services in the region, including fixed-route bus service, and paratransit, commuter, and demand-response services. For ADA service, see Connector and for microtransit, see either SMART Flex or Quick Connect. SMART also partners with local communities to support community transit services.
For more info, see: https://www.smartbus.org/ or call (866) 962-5515
QLINE
QLINE, operated by M-1 RAIL, is a 3.3-mile streetcar serving 12 locations along Woodward Avenue from Downtown Detroit to New Center. Launched in 2017, QLINE is the newest member of the region’s fixed-route transit network.
For more info, see: https://qlinedetroit.com/ or call 1-800-511-3931
Detroit People Mover (DPM)
Operated by the Detroit Transportation Corporation, DPM is a fully automated light-rail system that runs on an elevated single-track loop around Downtown Detroit.
For more info, see: https://www.thepeoplemover.com/ or call (313) 224-3160
TheRide
TheRide, officially known as AAATA, operates public transit service in the Cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, and in Ann Arbor, Pittsfield, Scio, Superior, and Ypsilanti Townships. TheRide operates fixed-route buses, and event and airport services. A-Ride is TheRide’s ADA paratransit service, and the agency also operates FlexRide, a microtransit service.
For more info, see: https://www.theride.org/ or call (734) 973-6500
D2A2 (Detroit to Ann Arbor)
In partnership with RTA, TheRide offers Detroit to Ann Arbor Express Bus Service (D2A2). This service runs from Blake Transit Center to Grand Circus in Detroit, providing connections to SMART, DDOT, QLine, DPM, and TheRide.
For more info, see: https://d2a2.com/ or call (517) 333-0400
DAX (Detroit Airport Express)
An express bus service connecting Downtown Detroit directly to the Airport, the Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) supplements the already existing SMART FAST routes to the Airport. This service runs from Washington / State in Detroit to the McNamara and Evans Terminals, providing connections to SMART, DDOT, and DPM.For more info, see: https://rtamichigan.org/downtown-detroit-to-airport-express-pilot/
Connections to Other Regions
Flint, Port Huron, and Windsor, Ontario’s transit agencies operate services that connect their regions to Metro Detroit.
- Mass Transit Authority (Flint): Connect in Auburn Hills and Troy via SMART.
- Blue Water Transit (Port Huron): Connect in Chesterfield via SMART.
- Transit Windsor (Windsor): Connect in Downtown Detroit via SMART, D2A2, DDOT, QLINE, and DPM.
Community-Transportation Services
Community-sponsored transportation systems generally focus on providing local trips to seniors and people with disabilities, though some also provide rides for people with low incomes, and others are open to everyone. There are over 80 community-sponsored providers covering much of the region. Search online or ask your city if these services are provided near you.
Other Transportation Services
While not detailed here, the Detroit Area is also served by:
- Amtrak (Detroit/state/national train system)
- MoGo (short term bike rentals)
- E-Scooter rentals – Bird, Lime, Spin
- Ride-hailing services Lyft and Uber
- Institutional Providers like Henry Ford Health and the University of Michigan. Check to see if these are open to visitors or the public!
