How Rapid Transit Modeled After Brazilian System Could be Established in Greater Detroit
23 February 2000
SpeedLink Collaborative Examining How Rapid Transit Modeled After Brazilian System Could be Established in Greater Detroit
Rapid-transit piece considered critical to achieve
The most effective, total public transportation system for region
DETROIT, Feb. 22 -- Four of the most prominent civic
organizations in the Detroit area are collaborating to examine how a regional
network of rapid transit service -- modeled after a highly successful one in
Curitiba, Brazil -- could be established within Greater Detroit. These four
have joined together as the "SpeedLink Collaborative" to provide a unified
private-sector leadership dedicated to working with public-sector stakeholders
in exploring and potentially establishing a regional rapid transit service.
It is anticipated that this effort will include developing a pilot
demonstration of that transit service within a major transportation corridor.
Frank Fountain, senior vice president of governmental affairs for
DaimlerChrysler and chairman of the collaborative, made the announcement
today.
The SpeedLink Collaborative is targeting completion of the first phase
investigation and design of the system and pilot demonstration in six to 12
months. The Collaborative consists of the Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit
Renaissance, the Greater Downtown Partnership, and the Metropolitan Affairs
Coalition.
Curitiba pioneered an urban transportation system that is providing its
two million residents with a high quality, affordable service: an above-
ground system, using available roadways and running on tires, that has
persuaded 75 percent of the city's commuters out of their cars and onto rapid
transit. The city's transportation network covers more than 310 route miles,
including about 35 miles of rapid transit routes, providing services over 65
percent of the city's area. In all, some 2,000 vehicles serve 1.3-million
passengers, or 55 percent of the total transport demand, and account for 75
percent of all weekday trips into the city.
According to Fountain, SpeedLink could offer many of the same features as
a light rail or subway system, including frequent, reliable, speedy and
quality transportation; vehicle movements unimpeded by traffic signals and
congestion; fare collection before boarding; quick passenger loading and
unloading from enclosed, sheltered passenger stations; and, easily
identifiable, color-coded routes.
"A public transportation system works best if it has a rapid-transit
component. Greater Detroit is no different than other major metropolitan
areas in that rapid transit service is necessary as part of its total,
regional transportation system," said Fountain. "The Curitiba model is
recognized as one of the most successful and cost-effective systems used
anywhere around the world."
The collaborative will determine how the Curitiba model might work in
Greater Detroit, according to Fountain. This will be achieved by assessing
how it would operate; what a pilot demonstration would cost and how it would
be paid for; routes on which the service would ultimately be provided; when it
would begin; how often the vehicles would run; and, the cost of riding
SpeedLink. The project will be organized in two phases: 1) determining the
technical feasibility of SpeedLink, including investigating and describing a
regional network of rapid transit service and a pilot demonstration
(completion in 6-12 months), and, 2) depending upon first phase results,
engineering and technical design of the pilot project (taking an additional
12-18 months to complete).
"We believe it is time to reconsider the option of a rubber-tire-based
rapid transit system in light of the successful Curitiba model," said
Fountain. "Curitiba has proved that it is possible for a system to deliver
fast, efficient, safe service comparable to that of a subway or light-rail
system -- but at a fraction of the cost. Curitiba has demonstrated that a
simple, well-designed, cost-effective rapid transit system not only can work
well, but can actually enhance the livability of the city and the quality of
life for its citizens. The collaborative felt we owed it to the region to
examine how such simple, yet efficient, public transportation might be
established in Greater Detroit."
The Collaborative partners will work together to investigate and
potentially develop SpeedLink within their own distinct roles: Detroit
Regional Chamber (President Richard Blouse) and Detroit Renaissance (President
Paul Hillegonds) will work on governance, management and funding issues;
Greater Downtown Partnership (President Larry Marantette) will provide general
support to the initiative; and, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (President Paul
Tait) will design the system. A special SpeedLink Study and Design Task Force
also will be developed to work under the leadership and guidance of the
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition.
According to Fountain, the Citizens Research Council (CRC) of Michigan
also has agreed to provide certain technical assistance to the SpeedLink
Collaborative. CRC will offer its expertise in analyzing the funding and
financing challenge that must be overcome to make SpeedLink a reality.
"This is a private-sector initiative but with an important public-sector
collaboration. Representatives of the Big Four will be involved in this
project and in determining whether a rapid transit system like Curitiba's can
be established in this region," Fountain said.
According to Fountain, the SpeedLink Collaborative anticipates beginning
the investigations and potential design of a regional network and a pilot
demonstration of rapid transit service in the Spring.
"This project is potentially one of the most important initiatives ever
undertaken by our civic community," said Fountain. "We need to learn how the
Curitiba model works and how it can be effectively adapted to the Detroit
area. It will be exciting as our findings unfold over the next several
months."