The undersigned demand that Michigan Avenue be developed with streetcar tracks, optimized for an eventual city-wide integrated rail system, and that regional planning and city construction at large proceed with consideration of public transit and movement towards a city-wide accessible and affordable public transportation system. 

Detroiters direly need more accessible, higher quality public transportation options. As residents demand a just transition to an equitable and environmentally sustainable and resilient society, the city and region must adopt a less car-centric approach to transportation. Public transit is a lifeline for working class people — including the 1/3 of Detroiters who do not have a vehicle of their own — and is far more environmentally friendly than single-occupant vehicles. Investment in public transit in Detroit lags far behind other major metropolitan areas.

Re-development plans for a two-mile stretch of one of Detroit’s major arteries, Michigan Avenue, present an opportunity to build on Detroit’s current public transit options and set a foundation for the years to come. The redevelopment of Michigan Ave has been discussed since 2020 and more public comment sessions are expected soon.

Rail has a history — and we believe a future — on Michigan Ave. In 1922, Detroit had the largest municipal rail system in the country, and the streetcars stuck around until the 1950s. This stretch of Michigan Avenue still contains historic rail tracks. Detroit’s streetcar revival, the “QLine,” has met criticism; however, the M1 Rail has just come under public ownership by the Regional Transit Authority, ensuring that it will remain a public good. With just a fraction of the $70 million already allocated for the Michigan Avenue project, restoring these tracks would preserve a symbol of Detroit’s transit history and expand possibilities for Detroit’s transit future.

Join Metro Detroit DSA (MDDSA) and our Ecosocialist working group! We will share next steps on this campaign and MDDSA’s future transit organizing work:

• We will contact you when the public comment meeting is scheduled and support you in making your voice heard.
• We will continue to build the momentum around public transit in 2025 through supporting the Double DDOT Campaign and more.
• We will join forces with other transit advocates in support of a regional transit ballot proposal in 2026.

In solidarity,

Metro Detroit Democratic Socialists of America