Abstract:
This document reports the results from Phase Two. This report focuses primarily on the period from 1967 to 2006/7, although some chapters include events up to 2012. It was decided that the earlier history (pre-1967) was not sufficiently relevant to Detroit’s current options and decisions to warrant in depth analysis. It was also decided that the period after 2006/7 is directly linked to the current developments of Detroit’s transit that it will be examined in the Phase Three – Current Detroit efforts that are now underway. From the Phase Two effort, individuals or subgroups of the team have identified the key events and developments and “lessons learned” in each of seven areas, and have written a chapter for this report (starting with chapter 3) focused on one focal area as it relates to the development and operation of effective regional transit systems.The tone and structure of this report emphasizes stories and examples, rather than a more formal research paper format. This was done in order to convey these insights to a broader array of transit stakeholders in the region. Each focal area received input and review by all team members and by a panel of advisors from the Michigan Department of Transportation, SMART, Transportation Riders United, M1 Rail and the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments. However, each resulting chapter provided in this report reflects the views and judgments of the author(s) listed above.