Detroit’s Renaissance: Transit Systems, Culture, and Cuisine

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In this vibrant episode of Transit Unplugged TV, we explore the revitalized city of Detroit—a place where history, innovation, and mobility intersect.

From the iconic People Mover and QLINE streetcar to SMART suburban transit and DDOT’s ambitious reimagining, Detroit is redefining urban transportation. Along the way, we visit cultural landmarks, taste legendary Detroit-style pizza, and meet the passionate people driving the city forward. Whether you’re a transit enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, this episode offers a dynamic look at the Motor City’s comeback.  
  
00:00 Welcome to New Detroit 
01:00 Civic Center and Historical Origins 
02:30 Riding the QLINE Streetcar 
04:00 SAE Convention and Book Signing 
05:00 The People Mover Experience  
07:00 Maintenance and Technology Behind the People Mover 
08:30 How Do I Get There? Route 9 to Little Village 
09:30 Detroit’s Sports Complex 
10:30 Mogo Bike Share 
11:30 Detroit Historical Museum 
13:30 Little Village Arts District 
15:30 Pewabic Pottery Tour 
17:30 American Coney Island  
18:30 Detroit Nightlife  
19:30 SMART Suburban Transit  
23:00 Buddy’s Pizza  
24:00 Guardian Building Tour 
25:00 DDOT Coolidge Facility 
26:30 Michigan Central Station 
28:00 Newlab and the Future of Mobility 
29:00 Final Thoughts 
  
Featuring Interviews with  

  • Robert Cramer, Executive Director of DDOT & Chairman of the Board of People Mover   
  • Ben Stupka, Executive Director, Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan   
  • Amanda Zeidan, Product Manager, SAE Books  
  • Bernard Parker III, VP of External Affairs, SMART  
  • Leah Rutt, Director of Operations, Library Street Collective  
  • Melanie Baer Schwartz, Director of Sales, Library Street Collective  
  • Anthony Marcellini, Founder, Progressive Art Studio Collective (PASC)  
  • Sarah Avers, Director, Signal Return  
  • Annie Dennis, Education Director & Archivist, Pewabic Pottery  
  • Grace Keros, Owner, American Coney Island  
  • Dwight Ferrell, General Manager, SMART    
  • Tiffany J. Gunter, Deputy GM & COO, SMART   
  • Mark Kuberaki, General Manager, Buddy’s Pizza  
  • David Campo, Senior Superintendent, Brinker Christman  
  • Rod Jones, Portfolio Leader and Head of Americas/ANZ, Modaxo  
  • Lauren Tzirides, Membership Manager, Newlab at Michigan Central  
      
    Credits  
    Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com   
    Host: Paul Comfort   
    Producer: Paul Comfort   
    Director of Photography: Jaime Cuadra   
    Music Composer/Supervisor: Jaime Cuadra   
    Sound Design: Jaime Cuadra   
    Video Editor: Jaime Cuadra   
    Executive Producer: Julie Gates  
    Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin  
      
    Special Thanks   
    Darryl Phillips, DDOT  
    Tony Vinson, People Mover  
    Ericka Alexander, People Mover  
    Madonna Van Fossen, People Mover  
    Jessica Aho, People Mover   
    Quincy Lewis, SMART  
    Beth Gibbons, SMART  
    Jim Henderson, SMART  
    Danny Whitehouse, SMART  
    Corri Wofford, RTA  
    Martez Wilson, Buddy’s Pizza  
    Katelyn Davis, Michigan Central Station  
    Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-department-transportation
    Michigan Central Station https://michigancentral.com/    
    Newlab at Michigan Central https://michigancentral.com/development/#newlab    
    Detroit People Mover https://www.thepeoplemover.com/     
    Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) https://www.smartbus.org/    
    RTA of SE Michigan https://rtamichigan.org/    
    American Coney Island http://americanconeyisland.com/home.htm    
    Buddy’s Pizza https://www.buddyspizza.com/downtown-detroit    
    Detroit Historical Museum https://detroithistorical.org/    
    Cliff Bell’s https://cliffbells.com/    
    SAE Books International https://www.sae.org/publications/books    
    Library Street Collective https://lscgallery.com/   
    Progressive Art Studio Collective https://www.progressiveartstudiocollective.org/    
    Signal Return https://www.signalreturnpress.org/   
    Pewabic Pottery https://www.pewabic.org/    
    Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova  
    Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye  
      
    Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.