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Getting Around

Public Transport

Detroit's public transportation system is somewhat lacking compared to other cities of equal size. Nevertheless, a dependable public bus service is operated by the Detroit Department of Transportation (D-DOT; tel: (313) 933 1300; web site: www.ci.detroit.mi.us/ddot/default.htm) within the city centre. The service operates 24 hours a day, every day. Buses run as frequently as every six minutes during rush hour on some routes and about every 20 minutes at other times of the day. Adult tickets cost US$1.25, a weekly pass is available for US$12. Transfers are available for US$0.25 and can be used to change to up to two buses.

SMART
buses (tel: (313) 962 5515) service the suburbs. Major routes begin operating around 0500 and terminate after midnight. Fares cost US$1.50.
Transfers cost US$0.25 and allow passengers to transfer to a D-DOT bus. A monthly pass costs US$47. A monthly pass for both companies costs US$49.50.
There is also a light rail system called the People Mover (tel: (313) 224 2160), which navigates a 4.6km (2.9-mile) elevated single track surrounding Detroit's downtown business district, Monday to Thursday 0700-2300, Friday 0700-2400, Saturday 0900-2400 and Sunday 1200-2000. Fares costs US$0.50 and a monthly pass is available for US$20. Tickets are not transferable to buses.

Taxis

Taxis are a popular form of transport in Detroit. They can be hailed on the street in the city centre. For more remote locations, taxi services can be ordered by telephone from such companies as Checker (tel: (313) 963 7000), Lorraine (tel: (313) 582 6900) and Redford (tel: (313) 531 6262). An initial charge of US$1.40 is levied, with an additional US$1.40 for each mile. For standard pick-up and drop-off services, tipping is not very common in Detroit. However, it is common to trip a driver between US$1-3 for help with directions, luggage etc.

Limousines


Chauffeur and limousine services are available from All Star Limousine (tel: (734) 663 5959; US$45 per hour), Arbor Limousine (tel: (734) 663 5959; US$45 per hour), Detroit Limousine (tel: (248) 471 0980; US$55 per hour), and Golden Limousine (tel: (734) 668 8282; US$42 per hour).

Driving in the City


Traffic is heaviest in Detroit around rush hour (0730-0930 and 1630-1900) as workers fill the downtown area in the morning and vacate it by evening. The freeways that connect the city centre with the outlying suburbs can become particularly congested. The city is laid out on a conventional grid system, however, this is sometimes compromised by the meandering shoreline of the Detroit River and Lake St Clair. The most important streets downtown are Woodwind Avenue and Jefferson Avenue. Metered street parking is available at a rate of US$0.75 per hour, however, it can be scarce during the day. Parking lots, such as the one at the Cobo Convention Center, often offer a more reliable option. Parking rates are usually in the region of US$3.50-US$6 per day.

Car Hire


Many car hire firms operate in Detroit including Avis (tel: (734) 942 3450) at Detroit Metro Airport; Budget (tel: (734) 595 4000) at 8715 Wickham Road, Romulus; Dollar (tel: (734) 942 4777) at 334 Lucas Drive; Enterprise (tel: (734) 784 1912) at 11375 Middlebelt South, Romulus; National (tel: (734) 941 7000) at Detroit Metro Airport; and Thrifty (tel: (734) 946 7830) at 29111 Wick Road, Romulus.

Hire charges usually start at around US$35 per day and may vary seasonally.

Drivers must be 21 years or older and drivers under 25 may have to pay a surcharge with certain firms. Foreign drivers must possess a valid national licence, however, it is always advisable to check in advance with the car hire firm in case an International Driving Permit is required. Insurance is available from the car hire firm.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
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