by: Mike Weiss

The fictional Detroit Transit Authority rapid mass transit system consists of six (6) color-coded heavy rail rapid transit lines and 126 station stops that form a network of commuter routes connecting major points of interest in the city of Detroit with terminals in some nearby inner-ring suburbs and DTW airport. The majority of the system runs on two-track elevated concrete structures in the outer neighborhoods of Detroit with third rail power. In the more densely populated areas, commercial districts, downtown, and near major landmarks or freeway interchanges the routes descend into subway tunnels to bypass and avoid these things.

The DTA Rail System most closely resembles the newest parts of the Chicago ‘L’ both above and below ground. Resources from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will be referenced in this brief. The track configuration expands from two tracks to three, four, or five tracks in some areas where routes run concurrently (to allow for bypassing), in areas where there is an extra siding track (for layups), and in the case of the Woodward subway, a fifth center track to provision for one-way peak direction express service. Switches are strategically located and periodically spaced to allow trains to change tracks.

The DTA Rail System is built completely independently of the existing transportation systems in Detroit: the People Mover and the M1 light rail system. The Detroit Transit Authority is a new state independent government agency established to succeed DDOT, unify Detroit’s transportation, and operate the flagship new rail system. It is largely subsidized by the state and Wayne County (but notably not Oakland or Macomb counties). DPM and M1 Rail come under this umbrella as does the DDOT bus system. The existing DDOT bus system routes are adjusted to better intersect the DTA Rail System and align with its departure schedules to make connections easy for riders. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes and stations will be added to Michigan, Grand River, and Gratiot where easy connections exist with the DTA Rail System like at Gratiot/Warren and Michigan Central. Some transfers exist between subway and elevated lines like at the Woodward/Warren station. The terminals are designed to be multi-modal with suburban SMART bus connections and provisions to connect to a future regional rail network.

Near the Yellow Line Terminal at Fairlane Dearborn. I imagine this 3-track terminal station
making use of the vast property around Fairlane Town Center and adjacent to a park and ride
lot. Maybe you see the mall or the old Hyatt in the background.

Where the Red and Blue Lines run concurrently in Southwest Detroit. This is a four-track
elevated structure that runs just off of Fort St (along the north side of I-75). This view could
include the Ambassador Bridge in the background. Junction is a transfer station with a double
island platform arrangement. Clark and West Grand have single island platforms.

The Woodward Subway. I think it would be cool to show one or more underground stations on
the Woodward Subway like District, Campus Martius, or Hart Plaza. Another view could include
what the ground-level subway entrances on Woodward look like. Will have to discuss the
platform arrangement at the transfer stations – perhaps they are double island or stacked side
platforms.

Woodward/Warren area. The Red and Green lines run underground here and the Yellow Line
runs above ground, making for an interesting view of the elevated-to-subway transfer. Maybe
even a cutaway view. Notable Midtown buildings could be shown in the background here.

Outer Green Line. These views could present what the DTA system looks like running through
a typical residential neighborhood. The curve between Dexter Linwood and McNichols could be
cool to show. Another cool view could be the elevated structure passing over Oakman Blvd.

Alter Road Green and Pink Line Terminal. Right before this station on the Detroit side is one
of the major rail yards which could be included in the view. This is another view where you could
see what the system looks like traveling through a typical residential neighborhood.