Detroit People Mover Ridership Soars 23% as Major Upgrades Announced

The Detroit People Mover tallied 250,000 riders in fiscal year 2024-25. That's a 23% surge from the year before. Officials with the Detroit Transportation Corporation unveiled these numbers at a March 16 budget hearing for fiscal year 2027.

DTC has plans brewing to swap out every car in the fleet. Sixteen refurbished railcars are coming from Toronto and will get rebuilt to fit the system's needs.

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 holds steady at $7,450,000, the same as last year's amount. Eighty full-time workers keep things running, and that count includes Transit Police.

A study kicked off in fall 2025 to find methods to boost mobility and make life better for people who live in or visit Downtown Detroit. Marketing pushes are also in the works to draw more riders and bring in extra money.

DTC kicked off a $1 million Community Benefits Agreement. The money goes toward fixing up infrastructure at the Water Square station, with completion expected by spring 2027.

New tech will help crews maintain and service the tracks without causing big headaches for businesses, residents, or the people who ride. 

Next year marks the system's 40th anniversary. The celebration will include a special moment: renaming the Financial District station after former Mayor Coleman A. Young.