Detroit Air Express (DAX) Launches in Time for NFL Draft
March 26, 2024
The new Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) service that travels nonstop between Downtown Detroit and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is officially running.
The DAX service will stop in Downtown Detroit next to 1119 Washington Boulevard near State Street and stop at both the Evans and McNamara terminals at DTW. DAX will be available 365 days per year (including holidays and high travel days), making 16 round trips per day between 3:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. A one-way fare is $6 when purchased in advance and $8 if purchased at the door.
Learn more in the news release below.
March 21, 2024
DETROIT – The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) today hosted a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Detroit Air Xpress (DAX) service that will travel nonstop between Downtown Detroit and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). The pilot will begin service on Monday, March 25.
The pilot period – expected to last 12 -18 months – will allow the RTA to initiate service, monitor progress, assess ridership demands, and understand long-term service needs for this service.
Photo credit: Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan
The DAX service, which Michigan Flyer will operate, will stop in Downtown Detroit next to 1119 Washington Boulevard near State Street, and stop at both the Evans and McNamara terminals at DTW Airport. The RTA is working with several Downtown parking providers to develop park and ride options for DAX users, where feasible and encourage riders to connect using local transit- like DDOT, People Mover, QLINE, and SMART – which are all within a block or two. Details will be announced as they become available.
DAX will be available 365 days per year (including holidays and high travel days), making 16 round trips per day between 3:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. Traveling along I-94, the trip is expected to take 30 -50 minutes each way depending on traffic; however, construction along the service may impact travel times. A one-way fare is $6 when purchased in advance at dax-bus.com and $8 if purchased at the door. Discounts are available for seniors, students, people with disabilities, and frequent travelers.
The DAX service will use coach buses, which are ADA-compliant, can accommodate two wheelchairs, and luggage storage under the bus. In addition, each coach can seat up to 54 passengers and offers amenities like free wi-fi, USB charging ports, and cup holders.
“This is a great initiative. Transit in the Metro-Detroit area continues to be a challenge because of its limitations,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “In addition to giving people more options regarding transport to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, this pilot program will increase convenience for patrons. Additionally, it is an affordable alternative. Furthermore, this transportation launch will be beneficial to people who are employed at the airport who depend on public transportation. Ultimately, this pilot program will expand transit options for those who reside here and for visitors.”
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About the RTA
The RTA was created by Public Act No. 387 of 2012. Its 10-member board is appointed for three-year terms by the county executives of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, the chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, the Mayor of Detroit, and the Governor of Michigan. Its mission is to manage and secure transportation resources that significantly enhance mobility options, to improve quality of life for the residents and to increase economic viability for the region.