As a motorless gal in the Motor City, I appreciated the extended Fall for allowing me to ride my bike well into December. However, after getting caught in the cold rain one too many times, I decided it was time to become better friends with other forms of transit.

With all the construction on Woodward for the M-1 Rail, the trademarking of potential names, and the media attention towards the project, I’ve been told many times “It’s too bad the M-1 isn’t done. You would be a daily customer, wouldn’t you?!”

When I accepted Challenge Detroit, I would have told you yes I would, but that this year I was done with buses, and would have my car in Detroit. Instead, I ended up eating my words. I changed the neighborhood I choose to live in this year, so I could continue to live carless. I would work to make the bus my best friend.

One of DDOTs new extended, bendable photos introduced this summer to highly utilized routes like the 53 Woodward. Click the photo to learn more.

Today, as we ring in 2016, I would answer that same question with a resounding no. No, I wouldn’t be a daily M-1 Rail customer if it were here today. Rather I would keep on riding the BulletBus (as I like to call it) to and from work (and to as many neighborhoods as I can)! With the DDOT’s 53 bus down Woodward, I can ride the future RocketRail to work today.

 

Planned M-1 Rail Map

DDOT 53 Woodward Map

The future M-1 Rail will run 3.3 miles down Woodward from the Riverfront to West Grand Boulevard. It will run with traffic and follow the rules of the road. Currently, the 53 DDOT bus primarily runs down Woodward from the Riverfront to the State Fair Grounds. Buses are scheduled every 8-10 minutes during peak time on the weekdays. With both a texting platform and an app, it is easy to track your bus and find out when to be by the stop.

 

 

 

Though I’ve become more infatuated by Detroit’s buses than I predicted, it isn’t always roses. I’ve had to wait longer than expected for the bus and had one bus driver decide they weren’t going to stop at my stop that day. If you need to transfer buses, reliability decreases and not all buses run as often as the 53. Sure, the bus isn’t always on time, but that happens with public transit anywhere. Though not all run as often as the 53, I continue to explore new routes and successfully commute to neighborhoods outside of downtown.

That being said, Detroit’s bus system is a lot more than many give it credit for and expanding (check on their proposed plans here). Next time you are on Woodward, pay attention to all the buses passing by before you think ‘Detroit has no transportation’ or ‘if only the M-1 construction were done so we could use it’ or, if you are feeling adventurous, ditch your car and hop on the bus with the help of the following bus riding tips:

  • DDOT Adult Fare is $1.50. If you need a transfer, it is an extra $0.25. Insert the extra quarter in the fare box and say, “Transfer please!” to the driver.
  • Monthly passes are available. They run by the calendar month rather than 30 days from first use. Swipe it on reader on of the fare’s box. Don’t insert it in the slot on the left. This is where transfers come out. Passes may get stuck and then you’ll be bummed!
  • DDOT Schedules and links to SMART bus info can be found here.
  • Text the crossroads of the stop you are at (e.g. Woodward & Alexandrine) to 50464. Respond with the letter of the bus you are waiting for and they’ll send you real time waits for the next three buses headed there. There also is a DDOT app available with similar information.
  • Pull the cord before your stop, get off, and thank your driver! (P.S.- Most drivers are very friendly and will answer any questions you have about riding their route or others!)

Happy 2016 (and bus riding) everyone!