http://www.freep.com/article/20140309/BUSINESS06/303090063/M-1-Rail-transit-Detroit-streetcars
The M1 rail is going to start construction on July 28th. The rail will run 3.3 miles along Woodward Avenue from Jefferson downtown to Grand Boulevard in New Center. M1 is predicted to enhance transit-oriented economic development and prosperity. While, I fully endorse the project and think it will be great for midtown/downtown, I hope that the M1 rail will be an indicator of the success a greater regional transportation network can bring to Metro Detroit. Specifically, I hope the M1 will gain the support to pass the 2016 Transit millage to fund the proposed 27-mile BRT corridor that will run from Pontiac to Detroit on Woodward Avenue.
While I don’t want to get too into detail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is an innovative rapid transit system that has dedicated lanes, off-board fare collection, preferential intersection treatment, and platform-level boarding. All of these factors, in addition to the stations spacing, make BRT significantly faster than busses. Furthermore, BRT has sleek and articulated bus design (see pictures below). BRT is cheaper to build than light rail, holds a similar passenger capacity, and generates substantial transit oriented development. For example, in Cleveland, Ohio the BRT HealthLine generated over $4.8 million on the Euclid corridor.
BRT would be an amazing asset to the Metro Detroit region and would undoubtedly, increase development and mobility along Woodward Avenue. However, because BRT is relatively new to the US, it will take a lot of reaching out to overcome the stigma of busses, and make the case for BRT/public transit. Hopefully, the M1 rail will generate discussion and support of a greater regional transportation network for Metro Detroit. It’s time we start thinking of public transit as a socially, environmentally, and economically responsible choice and not, as a last resort
I have been hearing a lot about the new rail too, and I agree with a lot of what you are saying. If you think about big cities here and in even places like Europe, rapid (and public) transportation in general is a huge deal. It relieves one of the many stresses of city life and makes it easier to connect to the suburbs and surrounding areas. It’s going to be a great step towards change. I’m super excited for it, honestly, since traveling can be SUCH a hassle here, especially with day to day stuff.