Mission

TRU is Detroit’s transit advocate. 

The mission of Transportation Riders United is to improve and promote transit in greater Detroit in order to restore urban vitality, ensure transportation equity and improve quality of life. TRU believes the Detroit region needs a balanced transportation network because transportation investments shape our future. 

Founded in 1999, TRU was incorporated in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.  Specifically, TRU’s purpose is to:

• Improve understanding of and perception towards transit;
• Engage and involve the public in important transportation decisions;
• Watchdog transportation processes and provide transit expertise to decision-makers; and
• Be the public’s voice to ensure transportation investments support the public’s interest in accessibility, affordability, accountability and sustainability.

TRU works on two interrelated fronts: 1) improving the quality of existing bus service to ensure all people have affordable access to their daily needs, and 2) breaking down the barriers to development of rapid transit, including light rail and commuter trains.

Strategic Plan

TRU has developed and annually updates a Strategic Plan highlighting our Mission, Vision, Stregths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Challenges, and Priorities for the next three years.   

TRU Staff

Megan Owens, Executive Director (bio)   

Ruth Johnson, Assistant Director

Ulrich Baker, Community Engagement Manger

Joy DeForrest, Office Manager

Board of Directors

• Kelly Logan, President (Dearborn)
• Robert Prud'Homme, Vice President (Ferndale)
• Meagan Costea, Secretary (Wayne)
• Kevin Smith, Treasurer (Royal Oak)
• Marcia Yakes (Detroit)
• Deena Fox (Southfield)
• Adrianna Jordan (Plymouth)
• Christopher Khorey (Ferndale)
• David Norwood (Dearborn)
• Erik Tungate (Detroit)
• Susan Titus (Detroit)
• Michael Bridges (Farmington Hills)

Detroit Transit Update Email Newsletter

Every week or two, TRU emails out the top Detroit transit news, events, facts, opportunities, and actions.  Review the archives and sign up to receive these important updates.   

TRU Partnerships

TRU is actively involved in a number of partnerships supporting transit in southeast Michigan including:

REMA — The Regional Elder Mobility Alliance, a senior citizen mobility outreach partnership

Trans4M — A coalition making Michigan communities more livable and our economy more robust through transportation policy reform

Lets Get Moving — A coalition of groups, businesses and individuals who support expansion of public transportation options in Michigan.

 

TRU has an organizational structure that follows non-profit guidelines and allows for effective operation.

TRU History

Check out a history of Transit in Detroit by TRU.

Help us promote quality transit

Join TRU as a member, come to our meetings, give a donation, or just ride the bus yourself – check out DDOT and SMART for maps, routes, schedules and more. Contact Us

Transportation Riders United
500 Griswold, Suite 1650
Detroit, Michigan 48226
TRUmember@DetroitTransit.org
Phone: 313-963-8872   Fax: 313-963-8876

 

 

Organizational Structure