Transit Use is Growing, But Not Where You Think

**LeannaM** · November-20-09, 03:21 PM

http://www.planetizen.com/node/41730

The Detroit metro area has seen its population decimated in recent years, but the need for transit hasn't gone away.
"On certain lines, ridership has skyrocketed," said Tiffany Draper, a transportation planner with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. "But overall, ridership has been pretty steady."
Figures from the American Community Survey show a 30% increase in commuting by transit between 2006 and 2008 in the Detroit metro area, though Draper says the boost was likely a reaction to rising oil prices.

**EastsideAl** · November-20-09, 04:01 PM

I've seen a notably larger number of people waiting on the bus out on the northeast side and in Macomb County in the last few years. Those SMART buses out there sure aren't running with a lot of empty seats like they used to.

**Danny** · November-20-09, 07:20 PM

The SMART bus Rte. 560 Gratiot Ave. has the largest ridership ever in the Metro-Detroit Area. This is due to more charter schools for kids, more jobs further and more relatives to see.

**313WX** · November-20-09, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by Danny

The SMART bus Rte. 560 Gratiot Ave. has the largest ridership ever in the Metro-Detroit Area. This is due to more charter schools for kids, more jobs further and more relatives to see.

It's also DDOT's busiest line [[besides Woodward).

Of course, for what it's worth, Gratiot does go right through the poorer neighborhoods in Metro Detroit.