How to use public transit in City of Detroit

Getting around Detroit without a car is easier than many people think. The city's public transportation network combines buses, streetcars, and an elevated rail system to help residents and visitors travel affordably and efficiently.

Here's a simple guide to navigating Detroit's transit options.

Detroit's Transit Systems at a Glance

Detroit's public transit is made up of four main services:

• Detroit Department of Transportation(DDOT)
  Operates city bus routes throughout Detroit.
• Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation(SMART)
  Connects Detroit to surrounding suburbs.
• QLINE
  A free streetcar running along Woodward Avenue.
• Detroit People Mover
  An elevated rail loop serving downtown Detroit. (Currently closed for repairs, as of April 30)

Riding the Bus (DDOT & SMART)

DDOT (City Buses)

DDOT operates dozens of routes across the city, including multiple 24-hour routes, making it the backbone of Detroit transit.

How to ride:

1. Find your route and stop using apps like the Transit app (free to download) or the DDOT website
2. Wait at a marked bus stop
3. Pay your fare when boarding (cash or pass)

As of April 6, all Public, Private, Charter school students can "show their ID to ride for free" anytime to any place DDOT services.

SMART (Suburban Buses)

SMART buses are ideal for traveling between Detroit and nearby communities. Find SMART Bus schedules here.

SMART FAST (Frequent Affordable Safe Transit) routes: Limited-stop service on major corridors (Woodward, Gratiot, Michigan Ave).

Tip: Some routes overlap with DDOT, so check both systems when planning your trip.

Using the QLINE (Free Streetcar)

The QLINE runs along Woodward Avenue, connecting key destinations like:

• Downtown (Campus Martius, Foxtown, Comerica Park, Ford Field, Little Caesars Arena)
• Midtown (Arts District, Wayne State University, Cass Corridor)
• New Center (Fisher Theatre, Henry Ford Hospital, Cadillac Place)

The QLINE operates Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Why use it:

• It's completely free
• Great for short trips along the city's main corridor
• Easy access to restaurants, cultural institutions, and offices
• Here's info on how to use the QLINE.

Riding the Detroit People Mover

The People Mover is a one-way loop around downtown Detroit with multiple stops near major attractions, offices, and parking areas.

Key features:

• It's completely free to ride -- no fare or passes needed
• Runs on an elevated track
• Ideal for getting around downtown quickly

Here's a breakdown of People Mover stations.

(Note: The People Mover is currently closed for maintenance. Check the official website for the latest reopening updates.)

Other transit options in Detroit

• Bike share: MoGo. With more than 650 bikes and 75 stations, MoGo offers a versatile and flexible form of active transportation. Pay online, with the Transit app, or at the station, and then follow the instructions to pick up a bike at any one of MoGo's stations. Find more info on how to rent a bike here.
• Electric scooters: Companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin operate shared scooters downtown and in surrounding areas.
• Rideshare services: Apps like Uber and Lyft are widely used across Detroit.
• D2A2 Bus: The D2A2 is a regional express bus that connects downtown Detroit to Ann Arbor, making it one of the easiest ways to travel between the two cities without a car.
• Detroit Air Express (DAX): The Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) provides direct service between downtown Detroit and Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), with scheduled trips throughout the day.