Roll through Detroit without wheels? Leave your gas money in your wallet and see Detroit the best way: from above.

Christopher Columbus found his way around the world with just the stars as his guide. Today navigation systems are the method of choice in vehicles, but what is one to do with the hefty parking fees and confusing one-way streets that abound downtown? People Mover riders need no help, celestial-wise, electronics-wise, cyber-wise or otherwise. For twenty years, the People Mover has been the stars, navigation tool and Internet link of nearly 45 million downtown Detroit residents, workers and visitors from all over the city, state, country and world.

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In fifteen minutes, the People Mover takes passengers on a fantastic voyage, circumnavigating all that's old, new and yet to come in downtown Detroit's Central Business District. With thirteen strategically located stations spread over a 2.9 mile elevated guideway, the People Mover's stops include every major attraction in downtown Detroit.

If you think its scope is too limited, think again: the People Mover provides a useful connection to other modes of transportation, as well. Conveniently-located stops of the DDOT, SMART and MegaBus systems along the route connect the downtown area with the farthest reaches of Detroit, the suburbs and even Chicago! The new Rosa Parks Transit Center facility, now under construction, is located right across the street from the Times Square Station and will serve as a hub for the Detroit Department of Transportation's (DDOT) buses.

The station names read like a who's who (or what's what) of Detroit's proudest attractions - Cobo Center, Joe Louis Arena, The Financial District, The Renaissance Center, Greektown, Grand Circus Park and much more. Over 400 businesses, including retailers, restaurants, bars, historic landmarks and corporate offices are all within a block or two walk. And, that's just at street level. Downtown Detroit's skyscrapers like the Renaissance Center, Millender, Penobscot, Guardian, Compuware, Buhl, Comerica Tower, 150 West Jefferson and others house hundreds more offices of every imaginable type - all within a quick walk from one of the stations.

A trip on the People Mover would not be complete without checking out some of the original artwork located at every station. Nineteen artists, nine of whom were from Michigan, have provided a parade of moods, rhythms and colors for people to enjoy as they travel around downtown Detroit. Each station offers a unique environment, a lasting statement in mosaic tile and other durable materials, which can be contemplated seriously or embraced as a celebration of urban life and art.

Best of all, the People Mover is fun to ride! Streaking along at up to 35 miles per hour, it offers unduplicated views of the streets, parks, building and people of downtown Detroit. It even offers a fabulous view of a foreign country, with Windsor, Ontario just a stone's throw away across the Detroit River. It's the only place in the United States where you can look south to see Canada!

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The motto of the State of Michigan, translated into English says, "If you seek a pleasing peninsula, look around you." The motto of the People Mover could be, "If you seek a good time in downtown Detroit, for fifty cents, we'll take you there.

About the Author

Dennis R. Green is a Detroit native and a graduate of Berkley High School and Wayne State University. He has been involved in the advertising and marketing profession most of his adult life. He owned and operated Dennis Green Advertising in Farmington Hills for nearly 30 years. He has been Marketing Manager for The Detroit People Mover since August 2005.

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RELATED ARTICLE: 20 Years and Still Rolling Strong!

When the late Mayor Coleman A. Young cut the ribbon to began revenue service for the Detroit People Mover on Friday, July 31. 1987, it was the birth of a Detroit icon,

Across Michigan, throughout the country and around the world untold millions of people have become familiar with the People Mover, many by riding it and others by reading about it or seeing it featured in various media, books, movies and the Internet. It was back then, and it remains today, a wonder of engineering and technology. A unique transit system with 2.9 miles of elevated guideway that is home to a fleet of driverless trains wonder of engineering and tecchnology. A unique transit system with 2.9 miles of elevated guideway that is home to a fleet of driverless trains that run by the most sophisticated computer control available, and quickly, efficiently and reliably serve Detroit's energetic and rapidly growing downtown Central Business District.

The Detroit people Mover is owned and operated by the Detroit Transportation Corporation, a multi-dimensional achievement that helps keep downtown Detroit and the entire Southeast Michigan region a vibrant and exciting place to live, visit and love.

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RELATED ARTICLE: Get Ready. Get Set.Ride!

Fare for the People Mover is 50Cents per ride. Any combination of U.S. coins can be used (except pennies), or DPM tokens are available from fare machines in station lobbies. Machines do not make change. Round trip ($1.00) purchases are convenient for many passengers. You can save money with monthly or annual passes for unlimited rides. Passes are available by mail, at the corporate office, 1420 Washington Boulevard, Detroit 48226 (313) 224-2160, or on www.thepeoplemover.com.Children five and under ride free. Senior citizens may request a free annual pass at the corporate office during regular business hours.

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