ROMULUS, Mich. – Going to and from Detroit Metro Airport from downtown Detroit is about to get a lot easier.
A new pilot program will have a bus route making the trip 16 times every day. It’s part of an express service the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is rolling out in the spring.
“When you talk about thoughts of where you would like to have a mass transit line go, people often say, ‘Directly to the airport,’” said Corri Wofford, the Director of External Affairs at the RTA of Southeast Michigan office.
She said this kind of route has been in demand for years. A $2.5 million federal grant through the Federal Highway Administration’s Carbon Reduction Program will be used to fund at least one year of express service.
“We are proposing the pickup to be off Washington Boulevard and it’s going to be adjacent to the Rosa Parks Terminal, which makes it really convenient for those taking transit throughout the city of Detroit,” Wofford said. “It’s near not only Rosa Parks but also the People Mover stop.”
An alternative proposed pickup location would be at Park and Bagley, next to Grand Circus Park.
Riders will be able to get off at either McNamara or Evans terminals at DTW. Indian Trails will provide the bus that features Wi-Fi, a restroom and space for luggage. There will be 16 round trips between 3:30 a.m.-11 pm with a standard fare of no more than $15.
The goal is for a soft launch in March and a larger launch in April.
RTA of Southeast Michigan hosted public hearings virtually and in-person through out the week. Public comment is welcome through Jan. 17 by phone at 313-402-1020, email: info@rtamichigan.org or by mail to RTA 1001 Woodward Ave. Suite 1400 Detroit, MI 48226.