Parkguy Member Username: Parkguy
Post Number: 284 Registered: 04-2007
| Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 8:01 pm: | |
I spotted new route information signs at some bus stops on the Grand River route today, at least on the eastbound side. I saw signs at Telegraph, Lahser, McNichols, and Evergreen. I didn't pull over, but it appears that the signs list the route and major stops. Nice to see-- people on this board have been screaming about it for months (at least). Any other info on this? |
Parkguy Member Username: Parkguy
Post Number: 286 Registered: 04-2007
| Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 8:09 pm: | |
I looked at the DDoT site, and the signs are part of the new express service on Grand River. That's something else we've all said was needed. |
Toog05 Member Username: Toog05
Post Number: 189 Registered: 03-2006
| Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 8:21 pm: | |
Here are some links discussing the details of this new express routes... http://www.clickondetroit.com/ news/16621879/detail.html http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/De partments/DetroitDepartmentofT ransportation/BusInformation/E xpressService/tabid/2071/Defau lt.aspx |
Michigansheik Member Username: Michigansheik
Post Number: 312 Registered: 09-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 9:02 pm: | |
useful signs, woah! hope these routes take off, and they add E. Jefferson too. |
Living_in_the_d Member Username: Living_in_the_d
Post Number: 270 Registered: 01-2008
| Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 10:25 pm: | |
Yeah, D.D.O.T. Is On The Move. |
Mayor_sekou Member Username: Mayor_sekou
Post Number: 2453 Registered: 09-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 1:21 am: | |
I didn't even know they had fare cards. Shows how long its been since I rode the bus. |
Peter Member Username: Peter
Post Number: 157 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 1:49 am: | |
The DDOT website looks like it was designed by a 3rd grader. |
Sean_of_detroit Member Username: Sean_of_detroit
Post Number: 793 Registered: 03-2008
| Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 1:52 am: | |
So, it's looking more and more like anywhere along the spokes are safe bets on public transit? Is it still to soon to make a prediction like that? Or Maybe that is common sense and the timetable is what is questionable? |
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott
Post Number: 1372 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 10:08 am: | |
Sean, there's excellent transit (as far as a bus-only system goes) along Woodward and Gratiot, pretty good along Fort Street and Michigan, and good along Grand River (if you're in Detroit). Off the spokes, if you're in the 'burbs count on once-per-hour at best in most cases, but in Detroit there are several good lines with 20 minute or better service most of the day: Greenfield, Seven Mile, Dexter, Fenkell just to name a few. |
Living_in_the_d Member Username: Living_in_the_d
Post Number: 272 Registered: 01-2008
| Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 10:12 am: | |
Yeah, Well Said Professor S., And Well Put. |
Parkguy Member Username: Parkguy
Post Number: 288 Registered: 04-2007
| Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 10:29 am: | |
I wonder if they've considered express runs in and out on game nights? |
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba
Post Number: 6710 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 12:06 pm: | |
Ah, the DSR is rising from the dead. Funny what a market will do for service. jjaba, on The Dexter crossing Fullerton. |
Mdoyle Member Username: Mdoyle
Post Number: 449 Registered: 10-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 2:03 pm: | |
There are plenty of little and inexpensive things that DDOT can do to make riding the bus easier and more accessible. Short list... 1.Updated website with more accurate trip planner and more user friendly layout and option of reading the site in Spanish. 2. More places to purchase fare cards (automated). They should be as easy to find as an ATM (at ofice building downtown, gas stations etc.) and should accept cash and credit. 3. Every bus shelter should have a map inside it detailing routes and times. 4. Color coded routes. This would be especially helpful to the elderly, illiterate and non english speakers. A less useful and fairly expensive option would also be a re branding. New colors, new logo. As it is the DDOT logo colors are hard to see from a distance as they blend in with the surroundings (green and yellow on white). Also there is a bad stigma associated with DDOT and it may benefit to market the NEW DDOT to boost confidence, especially during the current fuel crunch. This would be the most costly of changes (new signage,repainting of buses, new letterhead etc.) |
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott
Post Number: 1375 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 2:32 pm: | |
Mdoyle, a couple of things are happening. Taking your very good points in order: 1. The web site is quite up to date (not the "ridedetroittransit" one which appears semi-abandoned, but the one through the City's web portal), and the trip planner appears to work fairly well in most cases. I would like to see a combined DDOT/SMART/PeopleMover trip planner, but that's just me dreaming. 2. You can purchase fare cards at most City CVS stores and several other stores, plus on line. 3. DDOT is in the process of installing route information - but not bus times (because they change pretty frequently) - at shelters at major transfer points. Capitol Park already has them if you want to go take a look. 4. The routes are now color coded, and DDOT has just simplified the color coding. Also, of course, the new express routes as discussed on this and other threads. For my money the best thing DDOT could do is run more buses, more frequently, but that would take money which they do not appear to have. |
Evelyn Member Username: Evelyn
Post Number: 305 Registered: 02-2005
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 11:53 am: | |
Yay maps! Although the bus system in Detroit could use a lot of improvements, this is a positive step in the right direction. I’ve used similar rapid ride buses in other cities, and they make getting around much easier. Next on my wish list: that SMART would post route numbers on the bus stops, so it’d be easier to tell which buses stop where. |
Detroitrise Member Username: Detroitrise
Post Number: 2504 Registered: 09-2007
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 11:54 am: | |
Evelyn, I believe they started this in downtown Detroit (already). |
Evelyn Member Username: Evelyn
Post Number: 306 Registered: 02-2005
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:01 pm: | |
So the length of time it’s been since I lived in Detroit is showing (blushes) When did SMART start posting this, and is it just for downtown? I remember one evening when my bike broke down on Michigan Ave near Dearborn, and I tried to catch a SMART bus back downtown. Watched three SMART buses pass me by, then gave up and pushed the bike home. Guess I was at the wrong stop, but I had no way of telling. |
Detroitrise Member Username: Detroitrise
Post Number: 2505 Registered: 09-2007
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:03 pm: | |
Evelyn were you IN Dearborn, or in Detroit near the border of Dearborn? |
Evelyn Member Username: Evelyn
Post Number: 307 Registered: 02-2005
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:12 pm: | |
I was in Detroit, near the border of Dearborn. |
Detroitrise Member Username: Detroitrise
Post Number: 2508 Registered: 09-2007
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:15 pm: | |
Yep, it's rather petty, but if you're in Detroit (no matter how close to the border you are), they won't pick you up. They will only pick up in the city if you're headed out to the suburbs. It's some type of law/agreement that involves DDOT. (Message edited by DetroitRise on June 19, 2008) |
Islandman Member Username: Islandman
Post Number: 1626 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:18 pm: | |
This thread reminds me of the good old days of catching the Imperial Express to Cass Tech. |
Evelyn Member Username: Evelyn
Post Number: 308 Registered: 02-2005
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:22 pm: | |
Oh. Duh. Thanks, Detroitrise. I’d caught SMART buses leaving Detroit, so I forgot they wouldn’t pick me up in the city. Stupid bus system. |
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott
Post Number: 1376 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:28 pm: | |
They'll pick up in Detroit weekdays after 6:00 p.m. and weekends. This whole "not pick up in Detroit" only applies, by the way, on streets where both DDOT and SMART have bus service. Normally I'd say "just catch the next DDOT bus" but if you have a bike you're kind of outta luck. |
Dan_the_man Member Username: Dan_the_man
Post Number: 62 Registered: 07-2006
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:32 pm: | |
I would also really like to see DDOT jump on board with google maps for their trip planning. SMART did it a few months ago and it seems to work really well, but you can't use it for anywhere in Detroit because of a lack of DDOT in the system. |
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott
Post Number: 1377 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:38 pm: | |
I agree DTM. DDOT uses its own system, which works OK, but it'd be very nice to be able to plan a trip based on where you are and where and when you want to get somewhere, without having to worry about whether you're dealing with the red bus or the green bus. |
Evelyn Member Username: Evelyn
Post Number: 309 Registered: 02-2005
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:39 pm: | |
Professor- So SMART will pick up, in Detroit, streets that DDOT doesn’t serve? (Outbound only, I’m guessing?) And does the after 6 pm thing apply to just streets that DDOT isn’t on, or all of them? (Sorry for all the questions, but I figured this would be good to know...) |
Living_in_the_d Member Username: Living_in_the_d
Post Number: 276 Registered: 01-2008
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:41 pm: | |
Yeah, Professor S., " The being out of luck", Statement will have to be modified soon, to, Sayy.."Your in luck", Since D.D.O.T. is moving into the future with onboard bike carriers. Superb post as usual B.T.W.. |
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott
Post Number: 1378 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:47 pm: | |
SMART will pick up at any bus stop on all outbound trips except express buses, and drop off inbound at any bus stop. On streets where DDOT and SMART both provide service, SMART will not pick up in Detroit on inbound trips or drop off on outbound trips until 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. On streets where SMART operates and DDOT does not, such as John R, SMART will make all local stops on all trips. Each SMART schedule has the exact details. Living, I hadn't heard about bike carriers on DDOT buses. You have any idea when that's coming? |
Living_in_the_d Member Username: Living_in_the_d
Post Number: 277 Registered: 01-2008
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:56 pm: | |
Yeah, This is hot off the presses, Professor S., Details still have to be worked out, But I think it would be safe to say this season. |
Evelyn Member Username: Evelyn
Post Number: 311 Registered: 02-2005
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 1:03 pm: | |
Professor- Thanks a lot for the info! It'll be very helpful the next time I’m trying to get around in Detroit. I was probably just at the wrong bus stop at the wrong time, then. |
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott
Post Number: 1379 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 1:07 pm: | |
Evelyn, The easternmost SMART bus stop on Michigan Avenue, in both directions, is on the west side of the intersection of Wyoming. It's got a SMART bus stop sign. Living, Great news! Looking forward to it. Being able to use the bike would shorten my commute a bit. Prof. Scott |
Living_in_the_d Member Username: Living_in_the_d
Post Number: 278 Registered: 01-2008
| Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 1:25 pm: | |
Yeah, Mine too Professor S., Enjoy! |
Miketoronto Member Username: Miketoronto
Post Number: 888 Registered: 07-2004
| Posted on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 11:12 am: | |
The SMART policy of not stopping within Detroit to for local service makes sense though in many ways. By not stopping at DDOT stops to provide local service, SMART can offer a more rapid transit style ride for people going and coming from the suburbs. If they stopped everywhere it would be very slow. |
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott
Post Number: 1381 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 11:21 am: | |
Yes, Mike, in fact that's SMART's official explanation of why they do it. Unfortunately, it still doesn't work out to be very rapid. I think DDOT averages something like 18 MPH on its routes, and SMART averages something like 21 MPH. But if SMART made all the local stops on every trip in Detroit it would be even marginally worse. If only someone could figure out how to put in trains like everybody else in the world has... |
Evelyn Member Username: Evelyn
Post Number: 317 Registered: 02-2005
| Posted on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 12:07 pm: | |
It makes sense that SMART wouldn’t make the same stops that DDOT does. But unless you plan your route in advance, or have access to the internet on your phone, trying to figure out what the buses do from the street is a bit of a lost cause. The new signs should help, though! And I’m keeping my fingers crossed for bike racks on Detroit buses. Both positive signs... |
Bearinabox Member Username: Bearinabox
Post Number: 699 Registered: 04-2006
| Posted on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 2:20 pm: | |
quote:I would also really like to see DDOT jump on board with google maps for their trip planning. They're working on it. |
Bjl7997 Member Username: Bjl7997
Post Number: 122 Registered: 03-2005
| Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 10:33 am: | |
They forgot about 1 more route Michigan Express (route #75) |
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott
Post Number: 1385 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 12:36 pm: | |
Michigan is not a major DDOT bus route, if you look at ridership or service frequency. They picked the top five routes for the express service, and Michigan isn't even close to the top five. The five routes on which DDOT is trying out express service - Woodward, Gratiot, Dexter, Crosstown and Grand River - all have 5 to 12 minute frequency at peak hours (for the regular, local bus). DDOT's Michigan Avenue bus never comes more often than every 25 minutes. Fenkell, Fort, Jefferson and Greenfield (just to name a few) all have more frequent service and more riders than Michigan, and they didn't get express buses. |
Busterwmu Member Username: Busterwmu
Post Number: 500 Registered: 09-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 11:54 pm: | |
Some of the new signage is up on Woodward below Campus Martius now, too. Makes me wonder how long it will last given those sheets are only helps to signposts and streetlights with zip-ties. I do wonder why Michigan isn't a busier DDOT route... maybe everyone is just taking the SMARTbus in. Personally, I'd rather be on a safe and reliable RTS coach than a Gillig, but whatever. I was on the Woodward #53 route yesterday from Wayne State into Downtown and back again. The inbound bus I waited over 15 minutes for and was standing room only. The first outbound coach blew past me at the Grand Circus Park stop, but the next coach came about 3 minutes later and was mostly empty. |
Ladia Member Username: Ladia
Post Number: 39 Registered: 05-2008
| Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 6:07 am: | |
grandriver always had a fast bus service, ddot should have improved speed and service on other streets.grandriver and woodward already had good service,some streets eliminated bus service,some streets like 6 mile have always had slow bus service.another problem detroit has is that theirs not much public transit connecting the city with the suburbs, most city buses only go to city limits,or to malls.as far as it goes into the suburbs is to the malls.if you dont work at the malls,then you have to have a car. |