Shuttle bus from downtown Detroit to Metro Airport to begin service in March
A proposed express bus route between downtown Detroit and Detroit Metro Airport that would operate 16 roundtrips each day is expected to start offering rides in March.
The service would run from about 3:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and cost up to $15 per trip, although reduced fares in some cases could drop that substantially for those eligible, according to information supplied by the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan.
The RTA provided the latest details during public hearings this week on the proposed route, which the Free Press first reported on in February. Public comment is being accepted through Jan. 17 via phone at 313-402-1020, email at info@rtamichigan.org or regular mail at RTA, 1001 Woodward Ave., Suite 1400, Detroit, MI 48226.
RTA officials envision a soft launch of the service ahead of the NCAA March Madness men’s basketball Midwest Regional games scheduled for March 29-31 at Little Caesars Arena, with a formal opening ahead of the NFL Draft scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit.
The route would travel primarily along Interstate 94 and offer airport stops at both the McNamara and Evans (North) terminals and in downtown Detroit at a location in the area of Washington Boulevard and State Street.
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Those who spoke during an online public hearing Wednesday were generally enthusiastic about the project but some also expressed concern about the cost, noting that it’s more than the $2 fare charged for SMART’s Michigan Avenue FAST bus to the airport from Detroit. The FAST bus is a limited-stop route but would take about twice as long as the new RTA express route, which is expected to make the trip in half an hour, according to Julia Roberts, RTA planning and innovation director.
Roberts noted the new express bus would be cheaper than using a ride-hailing service, which can cost $45 or more each way (the least expensive Uber option available to a reporter from the proposed downtown stop location to the McNamara Terminal on Thursday morning listed for $40.92). The shuttle service, which will operate as a pilot project to help determine demand and possible future expansion, is covered by $2.5 million in federal and state funding.
In addition to cost concerns, participants also questioned the downtown stop location, with one person describing it as a “barren intersection,” and others mentioning a lack of proximity to other transit connections.
Roberts, however, described it as being around the corner from the Rosa Parks Transit Center. One person had suggested the Renaissance Center because of its walkability, but Roberts said that would be even farther from multiple transit locations, although a Detroit People Mover stop is there.
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Roberts said the RTA is open to considering other locations and has also looked at potential park and ride spots. A possible alternate stop has been identified as Park and Bagley, next to Grand Circus Park.
The RTA will be working with bus operator Indian Trails on the service. Indian Trails will also supply the buses.
Chad Cushman, president of Indian Trails, in a statement said “We’re excited to once again partner with the RTA on this new airport service between Detroit and DTW. Riders can expect the same high quality of service we’ve been providing to date with the D2A2, Michigan Flyer and AirRide services.”
D2A2 is a similar express service connecting Detroit and Ann Arbor, with stops at Grand Circus Park and Blake Transit Center, respectively.
As for amenities, the airport shuttle buses are expected to have undercarriage space for luggage, as well as available Wi-Fi and charging ports.
Fifty-six would be the maximum seating capacity on each coach. That would drop to 52 if accommodating a wheelchair, according to Ryan Bridges, who is assisting with communications on the effort.
"Tickets will be available for purchase in advance through a web portal or at the door. There will be a discount for riders who purchase tickets in advance," he said.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Shuttle bus service from Detroit to Metro Airport to begin in March
