People Mover leaders tell Detroit council free fares, ridership gains and multimodal hub plans shape FY27 budget

Malia Howard, general manager of the Detroit Transportation Corporation, presented the People Mover’s FY27 budget to the Detroit City Council on Tuesday, highlighting sharp ridership increases since the system went fare-free, planned fleet replacements and a multimodal hub tied to the Michigan Central project.

Howard told council members the 2.9-mile elevated loop uses 11 driverless vehicles and serves 13 stations, and that DTC has pursued partnerships and community programming while keeping the system fare-free. “Our intention is for it to always be free moving forward,” Howard said, adding that the agency is expanding sponsorship and advertising efforts to preserve the free service.

The presentation gave specific ridership figures: Howard said the People Mover saw about a 64% increase in riders from 2023 to 2024 — roughly 420,000 additional riders — and about a 23% increase from 2024 to 2025, or about 250,000 riders, even after a two-month closure for rail replacement.

Why it matters: Howard framed the FY27 budget around workforce development, procurement updates and capital planning to modernize the system without increasing operating subsidies. Council members pressed for details about maintenance, accessibility and long-term expansion, underscoring how downtown connectivity and ridership growth factor into broader city mobility plans.

Council questions and technical responses

Council member Mary Waters asked Howard to explain how the People Mover would tie into the Michigan Central multimodal facility. Howard described DTC’s role in planning the Michigan Central Multimodal Facility, saying it would bring Amtrak, intercity bus services and private mobility providers together at the Michigan Central Innovation District to improve regional connections. Howard also said the project currently represents a roughly $40,000,000 investment for the station portion of the multimodal work.

Waters also asked about track maintenance. Ernest Latham, DTC deputy general manager, described a “very rigorous maintenance program,” saying the agency plans to use laser-geometry measurement cars and a spring-to-early-summer grinding program to pinpoint and address rail wear, with most disruptive work scheduled at night to minimize impacts on riders.

Free fares and revenue strategy

Council member Leticia Johnson asked whether the fare-free policy had increased ridership. Howard confirmed the 23% increase after the free fare change and said the agency intends to keep the system free by expanding sponsorship and advertising. Howard told council members DTC has contracted wrap and advertising opportunities and is pursuing partnerships to reach a target of roughly $2,000,000 in sponsorship revenue to offset lost farebox receipts.

Stations, accessibility and public amenities

Council member Gabriela Santiago Romero raised concerns about passenger safety after a previously reported incident and asked whether stations provide public restrooms. Howard said there are no restroom facilities on platforms and that DTC would identify nearby businesses and partners that can offer restroom access, and would report back to council with findings.

Artwork, naming and community benefits

Howard said DTC treats large station artworks carefully on a five-to-seven-year maintenance cycle and is near the next service cycle. She also said the agency plans to rename the Financial District Station for Mayor Coleman A. Young and is considering commissioning a bronze piece to honor his legacy. Howard described a $1,000,000 community benefit agreement to refresh the exterior of Water Square Station as part of the JW Marriott Water Square project, with work expected to finish next spring.

Long-range vision and expansion corridors

When asked how the system should look in 10 years, Howard described five potential expansion concepts under study — including a truncation to Michigan Central, extensions up Woodward, shifts toward Eastern Market, routes near Comerica/Ford Field and an eastward alignment along Jefferson toward the Uniroyal site — and emphasized choosing corridors that maximize ridership and connectivity to Amtrak and regional transit.

Next steps

Howard said the DTC system enhancement study is in its research phase, with additional community meetings and a final study expected this summer; the recommended FY27 budget will go to the DTC board for approval in April or May. Council members thanked Howard and her team and invited the Detroit Department of Transportation to present next.