Transportation Riders United (TRU)

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Previous Meetings

Meeting Title

When

Where

TRU Vision Committee Meeting	Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 6:30pm	TRU Office, Guardian Building, Suite 1650

Help TRU prepare our visionary transit plan for Detroit's future!

Transit meetup in Ann Arbor

Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 7:00pm

Ann Arbor District Library Freespace (third floor), 343 S. Fifth Ave., at William.

Calling all transit supporters in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and outer Washtenaw County.

Want to help push for commuter trains from Ann Arbor and Ypsi to Detroit, metro Airport, Chelsea, and Livingston county? Curious about SEMCOG's latest findings? Come to a transit meet-up with TRU!

Eli Cooper, Transportation Program Manager for the City of Ann Arbor, will discuss Ann Arbor's efforts for rapid transit. TRU Director Megan Owens will discuss regional transit issues, the proposed Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter train, SEMCOG's upcoming public meeting on that issue, and opportunities to get involved. Q&A and discussion will follow.

Note: The event is not affiliated with the public meeting planned by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) in Ann Arbor on Monday, Dec. 4, from 4:30 to 8pm at WCC. At that meeting, SEMCOG will provide just released information about their Ann Arbor to Detroit Rapid Transit study. More information at www.SEMCOG.org.

Public meetings on MDOT 5-year plan

Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 10:00am

multiple dates and locations

WHAT: Public participation in reviewing the department's draft 2007-2011 Five Year Transportation Program.

Metro Detroit dates and locations:

Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to Noon
Macomb Transportation Service Center
38257 Mound Road, Sterling Heights

Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to Noon
Oakland Transportation Service Center
2300 Dixie Highway, Waterford

Nov. 29, 6 to 8 p.m.
Taylor Transportation Service Center
25185 Goddard, Taylor

Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to Noon
Detroit Transportation Service Center
1400 Howard St., Detroit

Other dates and locations statewide

TRU Finance Committee Meeting	Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at 5:30pm	TRU Office Guardian Building 16th floor

Help TRU plan our upcoming membership drive and fundraising efforts - the less exciting, but critically important work of the organization!

TRU house party in Grosse Pointe	Saturday, January 06, 2007 at 8:00pm	contact TRU to RSVP

TRU is holding a series of house parties throughout the region - great opportunities for TRU members to get together and discuss what we want in a future transit system and where it should go. Also a chance for curious friends and neighbors to come learn about the potential for transit in metro Detroit and consider joining TRU.

TRU Vision Committee	Thursday, January 11, 2007 at 6:30pm	TRU office

TRU Leadership Retreat	Saturday, January 13, 2007 at 9:00am

TRU house party in midtown Detroit

Sunday, January 14, 2007 at 6:00pm

Park Shelton 15 E. Kirby St, Detroit's cultural center

Want to discuss how transit can improve metro Detroit? Want to learn about current transit projects like the Ann Arbor to Detroit commuter line, Woodward Corridor options, and what you can do to improve transit in Michigan?

Come join us at the Park Shelton in Detroit's Cultural Center, and discuss transit in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Hors d'oeurvres and drinks will be served.

This event is the third in a series of TRU meetings and house parties throughout the region to discuss how regional transit issues intersect with local transit interests and opportunities to join TRU's efforts to bring quality regional rapid transit to the greater Detroit region.

TRU Members and non-members alike are welcome - bring a friend! If you haven't joined TRU yet, consider joining. There is no fee for the party, but donations and memberships are encouraged.

The Park Shelton is located at 15 E. Kirby St, at the northeast corner of Woodward and Kirby, directly north of the DIA, and across Woodward from the Detroit Historical Museum. DDoT bus #53 Woodward Ave stops just south of Kirby in both directions as do SMART busses 450 and 460. DDoT #16 Dexter stops behind the Detroit Public Library on Cass, and #23 Hamilton stops nearby at Second Ave and Warren. Street parking is also available on Kirby, Woodward, John R and Ferry.

Please RSVP if you plan to join us. Hope to see you there!

TRU Annual Meeting

Monday, January 22, 2007 at 6:30pm

Guardian Building mezzanine, use Larned Street entrance

One of the most important regional decisions for 2007 will be agreeing on a regional transit plan - a vision of what we want our transit system to look like 5, 10, or 25 years from now. At our annual meeting, we will present our ideas about where to begin the rapid transit system and will invite leaders from the region to discuss their ideas, including Detroit Regional Mass Transit CEO John Hertel and others. You’re invited to join the conversation as well.

The annual meeting will also include updates on TRU’s work and major transit issues, opportunities to get involved, and elections for the TRU Board of Directors. Please RSVP. A light dinner will be provided. Members are asked to give $5 to cover meeting expenses, not-yet members $10.

Cool Cities, with TRU and the Sierra Club

Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 10:00am

Birmingham/Baldwin Public Library, 300 W. Merrill (2nd block south of Maple)

Solve global warming one city at at time!

Learn more about the impacts of and solutions to global warming pollution, including the role of public transit in the solution. Find out what other cities are doing to reduce their global warming impact and what you can do to encourage your city to reduce it's footprint on climate change.

5-D: Adding Three Dimensions to Downtown Detroit	Monday, January 29, 2007 at 5:00pm	The Gem Theatre 333 Madison Avenue at Brush Street

5-D: Adding Three Dimensions to Downtown Detroit The 9th Annual Detroit Design Workshop Four teams of professional and U-M faculty and student urban designers, architects, urban planners, and landscape architects will present visions and designs for a strategic plan to re-develop downtown Detroit. You are invited to a reception, exhibit, and presentation of the results from this intensive four-day design workshop. For more information, contactl to 5-d@umich.edu or call (734) 764-1300.

TRU Commuter Train meeting	Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 6:30pm	TRU office, Guardian Building, Suite 1650

For people interested in getting involved in building and demonstrating support for the AA-Metro Airport-Detroit-Pontiac commuter train

TRU Communications Committee	Monday, February 05, 2007 at 6:30pm	TRU Office 1650 Guardian Bldg

Legislative Day with the Let's Get Moving coalition	Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 8:30am	At the Capitol in Lansing

Come up to Lansing to learn about key state transit issues and talk transit with your state legislators! Contact Megan at trumember@detroittransit.org for details.

TRU Fundraiser Event Planning meeting	Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 6:00pm	TRU office, Guardian Building

Following the success of our Desire Named Streetcar event last April, TRU is planning another big fundraising event this spring. Like throwing parties? Join us to plan the next big event!

Transit Coffee Talk #1 with Detroit Synergy Group	Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 6:30pm	Traffic Jam & Snug 511 W. Canfield at Second Ave., Midtown Detroit

Transit Talk 1 – Traffic Jam & Snug / 511 W. Canfield, Midtown Detroit Wednesday, February 21st - 6:30 PM We already have transit in Detroit! This discussion begins with existing busing options, how to use them, what people think of them, what improvements are in the works and what would improve them further. Find out about Bus-to-Work, the Commuter Challenge and potential Synergy Scavenger Hunts and Pub Crawls by bus. Learn to Dodge the Lodge construction too! Accessible via the following busses: DDOT #23 Hamilton (Second Ave.) DDOT #16 Dexter (Cass Ave.) DDOT #53 Woodward DDOT #14 Crosstown (Warren Ave.) SMART #450/460 Woodward SMART #615/610 Kercheval-Jefferson-Harper (Cass & Canfield) http://www.smartbus.org/Smart/Ride%20SMART/Doc/Midtown%20Map.pdf Canfield is one block south of Forest Ave. The Traffic Jam is on the southeast corner of Canfield and Second, near the south end of Wayne State University's main campus. If coming from Woodward, walk 2 blocks west and the Traffic Jam is on the left. If coming from Warren, walk down Second or Cass to Canfield.

Town Hall Meeting with State Rep. Marie Donigan	Monday, February 26, 2007 at 6:30pm	Royal Oak Senior Center, Marais Street Royal Oak, MI

Join State Representative Marie Donigan for an informational Town Hall meeting about mass transit and public transportation options in Southeast Michigan . Guests will include: John Hertel, Chief Executive Officer, Regional Transportation Coordinating Council Megan Owens, Executive Director, Transportation Riders United

TRU Communications Committee	Monday, March 05, 2007 at 6:30pm	TRU Office Guardian Building

TRU Commuter Train meeting for Oakland County	Tuesday, March 06, 2007 at 6:30pm	Royal Oak Senior Center, 3500 Marais Street, Royal Oak

While the initial commuter train plans don't include Oakland County, Amtrak currently runs three trains a day from Ann Arbor through Detroit to Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Pontiac. These stops are a likely phase two for the commuter train, assuming the first phase is successful. In addition to presenting the history of and plans for the commuter train, we'll focus the discussion on what Oakland County residents can do to support the initial train project and push for its expansion north. Directions - turn north onto Marais from 13 Mile, between Crooks and Main

Transit Coffee Talk on Commuter Trains with Detroit Synergy Group	Wednesday, March 07, 2007 at 6:30pm	Foran's Irish Pub 612 Woodward, Downtown Detroit

Transit Talk 2 - Foran’s Irish Pub Wednesday, March 7^th - 6:30 PM Commuter rail - all the rage in OTHER major cities - is finally coming to Detroit. This discussion begins with SEMCOG’s proposed Ann Arbor/Metro Airport/Detroit commuter rail project including a little history, what’s proposed, future expansion possibilities and how you can make sure it all happens. Find out about potential Synergy Supper Club train trips too! Foran's is on the east side of Woodward north of Congress in the former Grand Trunk Railroad ticket office (accessible by all DDOT and SMART busses that terminate downtown and the Financial Center People Mover Station.)

Public transit meeting in Western Wayne	Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 7:00pm	Livonia Senior Center, Farmington and Five Mile

Introductory meeting on top public transit issues for people in western Wayne County - learn about the benefits of transit, the new commuter train (which will link Detroit, Dearborn, Wayne / Metro Airport, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor), and how you can get involved to promote and improve transit.

Detroit Street Railways	Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 7:30pm	Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Dr., Grosse Pointe Farms

In a follow-up to his previous presentation last spring, TRU member Ken Schramm, author of Detroit Street Railways, will present a slide program relating to the various streetcars and interurban cars that once formed the vast public transportation system in metro Detroit with special emphasis on those that operated in and around the Grosse Pointes between the 1890's and 1950's.

Innovative Approaches to Urban Transportation	Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 6:30pm	Palmer Commons Forum Hall, 100 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor

A public event featuring Michael Glotz-Richter, who will talk about innovative, integrated approaches to urban transportation and will present a somewhat entertaining approach to rethinking and remaking the role of automobiles in our lives. A distinguished local panel will respond and comment on how his ideas might be applied here in the Detroit region. Refreshments and opportunities for conversation will follow. This event also supported by the National Science Foundation HSD. Glotz-Richter developed the New Mobility Hub network approach in Bremen Germany, and has inspired similar efforts in cities across Europe, in Canada, and world-wide. Mr. Glotz-Richter's success in integrating public transport, car sharing, clean vehicles, bicycles, urban design, new technologies, and urban goods movement won Bremen the CIVITAS "City of the Year" award in 2005. Other key projects have included the ZEUS clean vehicles project; the MOSES car sharing project; the MoCuBa New Mobility culture and planning project; and the European VIVALDI / CIVITAS intiative.

Detroit Transit Options for Growth Open House

Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 11:00am

The Guardian Building mezzanine, 500 Griswold, Detroit

The Detroit Transit Options for Growth Study will identify and evaluate rapid transit options to improve access and mobility in the Detroit area. DDOT and its many planning partners are leading the study's efforts. Presentations will be given at 12noon and 1:00pm and staff from the DTOGS consulting team will be on-hand to discuss the issues and answer questions. You do not need to attend the entire time.

There will be three other open houses this week, with the same information presented at each.

Detroit Transit Options for Growth Open House

Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 5:00pm

WSU McGregor Memorial Conference Center, 495 Ferry, Detroit

Presentations will be given at 5:30pm and 7pm and staff from the DTOGS consulting team will be on-hand to discuss the issues and answer questions. You do not need to attend the entire time. There will be three other open houses this week, with the same information presented at each.

Detroit Transit Options for Growth Open House

Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 5:00pm

U of M Dearborn, Fairlane Center South Bldg, 19000 Hubbard, Dearborn

Please RSVP to Tim Roseboom and notify him which meeting you will be attending.

Mich Suburbs Alliance - Redevelopment Summit	Friday, March 23, 2007 at 8:00am	The Fairlane Club Dearborn

Southeast Michigan has an image challenge. In addition to the common narrative of a crime-ridden, abandoned central city, the perception that redevelopment in built-out communities is complicated and overly bureaucratic pervades. Southeast Michigan's communities need new, innovative strategies for communicating to potential investors and stimulating redevelopment. The 2007 Regional Redevelopment Summit is an opportunity for local leaders to learn how to craft an image that draws new investment. Local officials, developers, realtors and others involved and interested in redevelopment are welcome to attend! Placemaking - Marketing Your City for Redevelopment General Registration: Tickets are $80. Register here!

Detroit Transit Options for Growth Open House

Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 10:00am

Samaritan Center, Kilpatrick Conference Center, 5555 Conner, Detroit

Presentations will be given at 10:30am and 12noon and staff from the DTOGS consulting team will be on-hand to discuss the issues and answer questions. You do not need to attend the entire time. There will be three other open houses this week, with the same information presented at each.

Please RSVP to Tim Roseboom and notify him which meeting you will be attending.

TRU Commuter Train meeting for Washtenaw County

Monday, March 26, 2007 at 7:00pm

At the National Wildlife Federation office, 213 W. Liberty Street, Suite 200, west of Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor-Ypsi area transit supporters - if you're interested in getting involved in building and demonstrating support for the AA-Metro Airport-Detroit commuter train, come to this meeting to find out how.

Note - the building entrance is on the east side of the building. Also, do not park in the building's parking lot - you will be towed.

A summary of the commuter train issue and who to contact to voice your opinion is available here.

Transit Coffee Talk on Rapid Transit with Detroit Synergy Group	Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 6:30pm	The Rowland Cafe, 500 Griswold in the Guardian Building

Transit Talk 3 – Rowland Café (inside the Guardian Building) Wednesday, March 28^st - NOTE NEW DATE - 6:30 PM Could the clang of the streetcar bell return to Detroit? Where would it go if it did? This discussion begins with what rapid transit means, where it makes sense and what routes people would like and use. Learn what the city is doing to make it happen and what you can do to help. The Rowland Cafe is on the Mezzanine of the Guardian Building, with entrances facing Congress and Griswold (accessible from the Financial Center People Mover Station on Larned at Griswold and all busses that terminate downtown).

Finance/Communications Fundraiser Planning Meeting	Tuesday, April 03, 2007 at 6:00pm	TRU Office 1650 Guardian Building

Due to Opening Day on Monday, the Communications Meeting will join the Finance Committee's Fundraiser Planning Meeting. Please join us and help plan for TRU's "Detroit in Transit" Design Competition and Gala fundraising event. Help us get the word out about the competition, secure event sponsors, and invite friends, family and associates to the event during the week of May 14-18, National Transportation Week.

Transit Coffee Talk #4 with Detroit Synergy Group

Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 6:30pm

TBD

The feedback and interest in the Transit Coffee Talk discussion series has been so strong that we're going to have a fourth, this time focused on actions that can be taken to promote transit and rapid transit options in the metropolitan Detroit region.

What activities and events would interest YOU? What would like to participate in and organize?

Some ideas already floated but not at all limited to:

Supper Club train to Ann Arbor and back
Tiger Bus Day
Bus to Work Day
Transit Coffee Talks in YOUR Neighborhood
Bus to the Festivals

Bring your ideas!

Location to be determined--stay tuned!

TRU Member Meeting on rapid transit options for Detroit

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 6:30pm

Guardian Building, lower mezzanine

Officials from the City of Detroit and their transit consultants will present information about their efforts to bring rapid transit to the Detroit area. They'll talk about possible transit technologies, where rapid transit could be built, and also what they heard from the public at their recent open houses, plus their plans for moving forward.

Also, we'll discuss major outreach and public education plans - and how you can help spread the word about transit.

TRU Washtenaw County team meeting

Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 6:00pm

NWF office, 213 W. Liberty, 2nd floor

A meeting for people in the Ann Arbor-Ypsi area interested in actively promoting rapid transit.

We'll provide updates on the planned A2-Detroit train service. Please
report any contacts you've made in terms of support of the train.

Earthday energy efficient roadshow

Friday, April 20, 2007 at 12:00pm

Tour starts at NextEnergy in Techtown - 461 Burroughs St.

Join State Representative Gabe Leland for Detroit's first annual energy efficient bus tour

Who: Residents of Southeast Michigan

What: A hybring bus tour through Detroit's transportation history and an amazing exploration into the energy efficient future - to give you an edge on new fuel technologies and how they impact transportation issues.

Please RSVP

gabeleland@house.mi.gov
(O) 517-373-6990
(H) 313-441-3763

TRU Detroit In Transit event planning meeting	Monday, April 23, 2007 at 6:30pm	TRU office

Help us plan a great unveiling of our design contest, May 16!

Ecology Center annual meeting - on transit	Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 7:00pm	at the Kerrytown Concert House, at 415 N. Fourth Ave., in Ann Arbor

Interested in viable public transit in Southeast Michigan? Join us April 25! On Wednesday, April 25 the Ecology Center will be hosting its 2007 annual membership meeting, focusing on upcoming public transit options in SE Michigan. The meeting features a presentation about the new commuter rail proposals for Ann Arbor, Detroit, and southeast Michigan. After years of discussion and planning, new commuter rail services – between Ann Arbor and Detroit, between Ann Arbor and Livingston County, and throughout the Detroit metropolitan area – are on the verge of start-up. Some of the region’s top transit experts will join the Ecology Center to discuss the latest plans. Megan Owens is the Executive Director of Transportation Riders United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving transportation access and mobility in Greater Detroit. Eli Cooper is the Transportation Manager for City of Ann Arbor, and the chief planner of the City’s “Model for Mobility” transportation vision. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Kerrytown Concert House, at 415 N. Fourth Ave., in Ann Arbor. Our meeting, as always, is open to the general public. The Ecology Center annual meeting also includes program updates, environmental awards, and election of the Center's Board of Directors. The meeting is open to the general public, and admission is free. For more information, please call (734) 761-3186 ext. 120.

TRU Communications Committee	Monday, May 07, 2007 at 6:30pm	TRU Office 1650 Guardian Building

National Transportation Week

Monday, May 14, 2007 at

National Transportation Week Events:

Monday: Car Day, Chrysler to Ford. Bike to Work, Michigan Avenue corridor, Dearborn to Detroit.

Tuesday: Walking. Walking Tour of Detroit with Preservation Wayne. Tuesday Knits on the Fox2 People Mover.

Wednesday: Rapid Transit. TRU's Detroit in Transit Design Competition Showcase.

Thursday: Bus to Work Day. Third Thursday with Detroit Synergy: Mystery Bar Meet at the Transit Stop.

Friday: Bike to Work Day, Woodward Cooridor, Royal Oak to Detroit.

Saturday: Dinner Train to Ann Arbor on Amtrak, 6pm-12am.

Detroit Bikes! to Work Day - Michigan Ave.

Monday, May 14, 2007 at 6:45am

Dearborn City Hall

Bike-to-Work Day: Join the Detroit Bikes! "workforce" on a ride to your workplace!

This is the second event of it's kind in Detroit. We welcome all who want to get to work on 2 wheels rather than 4! In addition to our classic Woodward Ave to Detroit route on Friday -- we've added Dearborn to Detroit on Monday. Join the ride at any of the designated locations along the way. After work, bike back with the group or bus back using SMART bus' bike racks. For detailed information click on http://detroitsynergy.org/projects/detroitbikes/

Ride from Dearborn to Detroit
Join the ride at: Dearborn City Hall, Michigan at Livernois, Mexicantown, or Corktown
Finish: Downtown Detroit - Campus Martius Park

Getting Home: You biked to work, great! Now how to get home again? On two wheels....join the bikes! group for the afternoon ride back up Woodward Avenue, leaving Campus Martius Park at 5:30pm. Arrive in Dearborn at 6:30 pm. Alternate idea? Take a SMART bus up Woodward (they can accomodate two bikes per bus)

Details: http://detroitsynergy.org/projects/detroitbikes/

Also Woodward Ave to Detroit Friday, May 18th

Contact: Alex at detroitbikes@detroitsynergy.org

Compuware Bike to Work Day	Monday, May 14, 2007 at 6:40am	Grosse Pointe Woods City Hall

Kercheval/ Jefferson Avenue to Detroit Celebrate and participate in cycling as a viable means of transportation and a productive activity to promote healthy living this Monday, May 14th! Join Compuware as Detroit Bikes! supports bike to work day on the east side. Be on your bike, ready to depart, a few minutes ahead of schedule -- A large group of cyclists starting further east will continue biking past each meetup station, with participants joining at the posted stations. Ride from the east side of Detroit to downtown. Join the ride at: Grosse Pointe Woods City Hall, Grosse Pointe Library - Ewald Branch Finish: Downtown Detroit - Campus Martius Park Getting Home: Take a SMART bus up Jefferson Avenue (they can accomodate two bikes per bus)

Preservation Wayne Downtown Walking Tour	Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 5:30pm	Campus Martius Park Downtown Detroit

The Downtown Buildings of Albert Kahn Discover the National Theater, Free Press Building, Detroit Athletic Club, and over a dozen other landmarks designed between 1908 and 1931 by Detroit’s premier architect, Albert Kahn. Tours usually last between two and three hours. Tours depart rain or shine, so please check ahead and dress appropriately. Tour group size is limited and space is available on a first come first served basis. For tour groups of 10 or more, reservations are required. Call us at (313) 577-7674 or visit www.preservationwayne.org/tours.php for more information. Tickets: $10 per person; $8 for Preservation Wayne members, seniors and students. Payment by cash, check, and MasterCard or Visa is accepted.

Campions of Transit Awards	Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 10:30am	Royal Oak Transit Center 202 Sherman Dr. Royal Oak, MI 48067

In Honor of National Transportation Week SMART cordially invites you to the Champions of Transit Awards Ceremony SMART will honor local transit advocates who have fostered the current discussion through our region and state. Your support is appreciated as we pay tribute to those individuals who have make a huge impact in the public transit debate over the years.

Knit Around Downtown	Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 6:00pm	The People Mover Blue Fox 2 News Train

Every Tuesday between 6 and 8 pm, Knitters and Crocheters from all around the region get together on the Detroit People Mover to “Knit Around Downtown.” First timers might want to gather around 5:45 p.m. at the City Knits' new location in the Guardian Building, Corner of Griswold and Congress. From there, we walk a half block to the Financial District People Mover Station on Larned, just west of Griswold. Look for the blue-wrapped, Fox 2 News Train. We ride in the first car. You can also board that train at any station, so you can start from whatever spot in downtown is most familiar or most convenient for you. We knit until 8 pm or so, and then pick a spot on the people mover route for a late-ish dinner together. People Mover Fare is $.50. For more information contact City Knits at 313.965.9665, 500 Griswold Suite 150 Lobby, Detroit MI 48226, Mon- Fri 11 am to 5 pm

TRU Detroit in Transit Design Reception

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 6:00pm

Centaur Bar Park Avenue, behind the Fox Theater, Detroit.

We've gathered and judged exciting designs of what Detroit’s transit future could look like from architects, designers, urban planners, and others.

Please join us as we present the design contest finalists and honor the winners at a fundraising reception.

Individual tickets are $50.

Bus to Work Day	Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 6:00am

Travel to work without having to worry about parking or traffic. To find the quickest route from your house to your job contact DDOT or SMART. DDOT 888.336.8287, www.ci.detroit.mi.us/ddot SMART 866.962.5515, www.smartbus.org

Detroit Synergy Mystery Happy Hour on the People Mover

Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 6:00pm

Mystery Spot on the People Mover - meet at the Cadillac Center station

Come to the Mystery Happy Hour via People Mover!

Fuel your sense of adventure and use public transit to do it. Join Detroit Synergy as we ride the People Mover to a happening place in the heart of the city. Stay tuned to this site for mystery spot clues and be there when it's revealed at:
Cadillac Center Station (at Gratiot Ave. and Library St, attached to the Compuware parking structure)
Thursday, May 17th
Departures at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30

Ride free at these times or come later using the clues and station cues as your guide.

We'll be promoting alternative travel modes with mystery spot give-aways. Show us evidence that you walked, biked, bused or otherwise (like a bike light, a transfer slip, monthly People Mover pass, etc) and be entered to win fabulous prizes.
So stay tuned for those clues and come on out this Thursday! Contact Jim at transit@detroitsynergy.org with any questions.

Detroit Bikes! to Work Day - Woodward Ave.	Friday, May 18, 2007 at 6:20am

Join in on the 2nd Annual Woodward bike to work ride! Voted by the MetroTimes as "the best reason to ditch your car 2006" Be on your bike, ready to depart, a few minutes ahead of schedule -- A large group of cyclists starting further west will continue biking past each meetup station, with participants joining at the posted stations. Ride Woodward Ave. to Detroit Join the ride at: Royal Oak, Ferndale, Avenue of Fashion, Palmer Park, New Center, Cultural Center - Detroit Historic Museum, Midtown - Max Fisher Music Center Finish: Downtown Detroit - Campus Martius Park Getting Home: You biked to work, great! Now how to get home again? On two wheels....join the bikes! group for the afternoon ride back up Woodward Avenue, leaving Campus Martius Park at 5:30pm. Arrive in Royal Oak at 7:00 pm. Alternate idea? Take a SMART bus up Woodward (they can accomodate two bikes per bus) Details: http://detroitsynergy.org/projects/detroitbikes/ Contact: Alex at detroitbikes@detroitsynergy.org

Commuter Train Preview	Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 6:00pm	Amtrak Train Royal Oak Station or New Center Detroit Station

If you’ve never ridden the train or would like to join transit supporters on a pleasant trip, come Saturday afternoon May 19 on a train ride to Ann Arbor. We’ll ride the Amtrak train from Royal Oak or Detroit’s New Center to Ann Arbor for dinner and a walking and bus tour of downtown Ann Arbor, then return the same evening. Check out all the details.

Sierra Club and Beer - transit discussion	Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 6:00pm	The Berkley Front, 3087 12 Mile Rd.

FREE BEER until the tap runs dry doors, beer, appetizers @ 6 trivia with prizes @ 7 live music by The Prime Ministers @ 8 no cover, 21+ GIMME MASS TRANSIT, PLEASE! dream of jetting downtown to hit some hotspots on a new light rail system? wish you could tackle the buses to get everywhere you wanna go? desperate to discover what you can do to make these not-so wild fantasies come true? get this and boatloads more from local leaders while enjoying free beer, trivia with fab prizes and live music. extra props if you jump on the SMART to get there...

TRU Outreach & Communications	Monday, June 04, 2007 at 6:30pm	TRU office 1650 Guardian Building 500 Griswold Detroit

Help spread the word about transit! TRU will be doing significant public education and outreach efforts this summer and you can help! Next Monday, June 4, at 6:30pm, come to the TRU office to learn about our outreach plans and how you can help spread the word about transit. The TRU office is on the 16th floor of the Guardian Building, 500 Griswold, downtown Detroit. We plan to have tables at CityFest and other festivals. Its a great opportunity to educate, interest, and involved thousands of metro Detroiters, but it takes lots of enthusiastic supporters to make it work. Please join us Monday or contact TRUmember@DetroitTransit.org if you're interested but can't attend Monday.

MOSES transportation cmtte meeting, w/ TRU presentation	Thursday, June 07, 2007 at 7:00pm	St. James church in Ferndale

Race and Urban Development in Metro Detroit	Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 6:00pm	Detroit Public Library - Main Library - Explorer�s Room - 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

The House We Live In: Race and Urban Development in Metro Detroit 5:30 pm. Networking Reception 6:30 p.m Film Showing: Race: The Power of An Illusion, Episode 3: The House We Live In 7:30 pm. Response Panel (including TRU's Megan Owens) & Discussion This excellent documentary focuses on how our institutions shape and create race, giving different groups vastly unequal life chances. The film traces the role that race has played in our country throughout the last century, and how federal policies played a role in creating the urban-suburban racial divide that characterizes so many of our country’s metropolitan areas (including Detroit), affecting land use, housing, transportation, and development. FREE ADMISSION Parking available in the Detroit Public Library employee entrance lot (off Putnam), at nearby parking structures, or metered parking on the street For more information contact: Kathryn Savoie, ACCESS (313) 216-2225, ksavoie@accesscommunity.org Sponsored by Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services

Jazzin' on Jefferson	Friday, June 22, 2007 at 3:00pm	Jefferson Ave. and Alter Rd

Come out and help us talk transit at the 4th Annual Jazzin' on Jefferson. This year TRU will have a table in the Detroit Synergy Tent. The Festival is Friday, June 22 from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm and Saturday, June 23 from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. If you would like to volunteer for this event please contact Kibibi Blount-Dorn at kibibi@detroittransit.org or call 313-963-8872.

Detroit CityFest, w/ TRU table	Wednesday, July 04, 2007 at	Detroit's New Center area

Previously known as TasteFest, Detroit CityFest will run July 4 through 8. TRU will have a table in the City Living tent with information about riding the bus, promoting rapid transit and opportunities to get involved in the solution. Come visit us!! Also, we need volunteers to help staff the table. Please contact TRUmember@DetroitTransit.org or 313-963-8872 if you're interested in helping out.

TRU's Summer Meeting - Transit's Role in Urban Revitalization	Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 6:30pm	Guardian Building lower mezzinine

Come to TRU's summer meeting on the role of rapid transit in urban revitalization and economic development. Urban, mixed-use development near transit is the hottest real estate market for young and old alike. Come learn about transit-oriented development and its potential in greater Detroit’s revitalization. Plus - hear success stories from other cities about overcoming hurdles to developing a rapid transit system and opportunities to get involved in spread the transit message.

Detroit Regional Mass Transit open house

Friday, July 27, 2007 at 10:00am

SEMCOG, Buhl Bldg, 535 Griswold

The Regional Transit Coordinating Council will display the objectives for the Detroit Regional Mass Transit Initiative at an open house on Friday, July 27. The public is invited and comments are welcome. The initial project goal is to develop a Comprehensive Regional Tarnsit Service Plan that will encompass Southeast Michigan's tri-county area by creating new mass transit modes and enhancing existing services.

With questions, contact John Swatosh, RTCC Deputy Director, 313-393-3333.

TRU meeting on building our membership	Monday, July 30, 2007 at 6:30pm	TRU office

Millions of people want transit, but only hundreds are members of TRU! Help TRU plan ways to expand our membership, influence and income.

People Mover 20th anniv. rededication ceremony	Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 1:00pm	Financial District platform

TRU Communications/Outreach meeting	Monday, August 06, 2007 at 6:30pm	TRU office

Help us spread the word about transit, through our newsletter, our website, regional fairs and festivals, presentations to community groups, and much more.

TRU Public Policy meeting

Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at 6:30pm

TRU office

Have ideas of public policies that would help improve transit?

Want to help influence our elected officials to act more pro-transit?

Come to TRU's public policy meeting to help brainstorm and plan strategy for public policy solutions to our transit troubles.

Sierra Club Green Cruise!	Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 12:45pm	Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, at Nine Mile

A fun event promoting non-motorized mobility! THE 3rd ANNUAL GREEN CRUISE Saturday, August 11, 2007 What is the Green Cruise? Sierra Club organizes the Green Cruise to celebrate alternative forms of transportation that do not burn fossil fuels by celebrating the people that use these alternatives - walkers, canoers, bikers, runners, rollerbladers, hikers, swimmers, etc. Walker-friendly places are people-friendly places. Putting walkers needs first results in a more attractive, liveable environment for everyone - where people not only walk but also linger, meet, interact, and play. More people out and about on foot makes everyone feel safer and discourages crime and anti-social behavior. Meet on the west side of Nine Mile and Woodward at 12:45pm (in front of the Old Navy). The parade begins promptly at 1 p.m. To receive regular Green Cruise updates, send your email address, city, and phone number to melissa.damaschke@sierraclub.org. Lots of details at http://www.sierraclub.org/community/oakland/green_cruise.asp.

Detroit Synergy Bus-to-Work campaign meeting

Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 6:30pm

Traffic Jam & Snug, 511 W. Canfield

Detroit Synergy Group, who has partnered with TRU on transit coffee talks and other events, is launching a new campaign to promote the bus as an affordable commuting option. The plan is to start with posters at worksites about bus options. Come to this meeting to learn more and potentially get involved.

Contact: Hussein at transit@detroitsynergy.org

Bus Me Out to the Ballgame

Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 5:45pm

Meet at the Royal Oak Transit Center (11 Mile and Sherman)

The Sierra Club, in partnership with TRU and Detroit Synergy, is leading a group from the Oakland County area to take the bus to a Tiger Game. Game tickets will be $18 per person (payment due by August 16) and are first come first serve. Call Leigh at 248-549-6213 to reserve your spot.

Bring bus fare with you ($1.50 each way). Meet at 5:45pm at the Royal Oak Transit Center, the bus will leave at 6:01pm (don't be late!).

Member Appreciation Picnic	Saturday, August 25, 2007 at 12:00pm	Belle Isle, Detroit West end of the island

We Want to Say THANK YOU What: Picnic to appreciate all of our members and recognize volunteers who have given their time this past year When: Saturday, August 25, 12noon - 2pm Where: West end of Belle Isle (end closest to downtown, past the fountain) Thank you, TRU members, for all the support you have given us this year. We will have a summer picnic to show our appreciation. We will provide some snacks, and you can bring a dish to pass if you like. The picnic will be on the west end of the island, it's the side closest to downtown, just past the fountain. Don't forget to bring chairs, blankets, and any fun outdoor games we can play.

Dally in the Alley

Saturday, September 08, 2007 at

Midtown Detroit (Second and Hancock area)

The last party of the year! A great community-focused performing arts festival, with 100 participants selling food, beer and unique (non-mass-produced) items.

TRU will have a table there, and is looking for volunteers to staff it.

We may also be leading a group from the Royal Oak area on bus to the event. Check back for details.

Public Transit Town Hall Meeting with Rep. Marie Donigan	Monday, September 24, 2007 at 6:30pm	Leo Mahany/Harold Meininger Senior Community Center, Royal Oak

Public Transit Town Hall Meeting with State Representative MARIE DONIGAN An informational Town Hall meeting about mass transit and public transportation options in Southeast Michigan. Who Guests will include: Saundra Nelson, Director of Special Projects, Department of Public Services, Wayne County Andy Guy, Grand Rapids Project Director, Michigan Land Use Institute When Monday, September 24, 2007, 6:30 p.m. Where Leo Mahany/Harold Meininger Senior Community Center 3500 Marais Ave. (North of 13 Mile Rd., just south of Lexington Blvd., East of Crooks Rd.) Royal Oak, MI 48073

Communications Team	Monday, October 08, 2007 at 6:30pm	TRU Office 16th floor, Guardian Bldg

The Communications Team meeting will include planning for the speakers bureau, newsletter advertising, and much more.

TRU Membership Building meeting

Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 6:00pm

Guardian Building, 6th floor boardroom

Immediately preceding TRU Board meeting (10/9 at 7pm), TRU will hold a meeting to make plans for our upcoming membership drive.

Given how many people in this region enthusiastically support transit, there is no reason TRU shouldn't have thousands of members. But we don't. Yet!

Everyone is encouraged to come and discuss how we can double our membership in the next three months! At the meeting, we'll develop a specific plan for actions to turn that transit support into TRU memberships, including house parties, bring-a-friend efforts, online outreach and more.

Detroit needs transit, transit needs TRU, and TRU needs members! Come help make it all possible!

TRU Corporate Support meeting

Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 12:00pm

TRU office, Guardian Building

We know that rapid transit investments can produce billions of dollars in economic development. We know that many Detroit area businesses would reap major benefits from transit and strongly support transit. We know that TRU is Detroit's leading transit advocate.

Come help us develop a detailed plan for garnering financial support from area businesses for TRU's work to improve transit. We've got the outlines of a plan, including business memberships, newsletter advertising, sponsorships and more. Now we need to develop a specific, detailed plan including who will do what when to make it happen.

Transit Oriented Development roadshow	Friday, October 12, 2007 at 8:30am	Pleasant Ridge Community Center

TRU has partnered with the Michigan Suburbs Alliance (MSA), the Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3) and the Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) to develop a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) presentation that will kick off a ‘traveling road show’ this Fall along Woodward. This is the first of a series of presentations throughout Woodward communities: Woodward Transit-Oriented Design Community Presentation Please RSVP to admin@woodwardavenue.org if you plan to attend. The goal is to educate Woodward communities – city planners, planning boards and commissions –- about the economic and physical design benefits of TOD. TOD is a neighborhood planning tool that integrates development opportunities with multiple forms of transportation, including mass transit, biking and walking. The project is part of the MSA’s larger collaborative Golden Spike project. (www.MichiganTOD.org). The achieve this, the WA3 assembled an Advisory committee comprised of WA3 member architects, urban planners and developers from communities along Woodward Avenue to help advise and communicate the project to the public.

TRU Fall Meeting - So you think you know Detroit transit?	Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 6:30pm	Guardian Building, lower mezzinine, 500 Griswold, downtown Detroit

Are you new to TRU and interested in learning about Detroit transit issues? Been around a while and want to test your transit knowledge? Interested in improving your arguments for transit? Join us for TRU’s fall meeting, with an overview of: - Detroit’s proud transit history and downfall - Rapid transit benefits and the best messages for building support - TRU’s history and current priorities - Steps needed for a major rapid transit line - The Ann Arbor – Detroit regional train project - The Detroit Transit Options for Growth Study - Next steps – transit progress expected in 2008 - Ways you can get involved in the solution

Bus to the Movies!

Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 7:30pm

Rescheduled

Bus to the Movies: A Transit Project

Join TRU, Detroit Synergy and the Sierra Club as we bus to The Simpsons Movie at the Magic Bag. The 450 SMART Bus to this View & Brew event leaves downtown at 7:30PM. Please plan to be there 10 minutes in advance. Along the way will be additional meeting points and an opportunity to order food to take in with us. Stay tuned to the transit page for more details http://detroitsynergy.org/projects/transit/

Date: Thursday, Oct 25th

Time: 7:30pm to 11:30 pm

Location: The Magic Bag | Ferndale - via SMART Bus 450/460

Contact: Jim Janowicz transit@detroitsynergy.org

TRU benefit at Bureau of Urban Living	Thursday, November 01, 2007 at	460 W. Canfield, midtown Detroit

The Bureau of Urban Living, which sells moderns accessories for the home and office, will be giving a portion of all sales this Thursday, Nov 1, to TRU! They'll also have snacks available, be distributing TRU info and will stay open late. Come get some great stuff and support TRU too!

NO TRU Riders Voice meeting in Nov or Dec

Monday, November 19, 2007 at 6:00pm

Riders Voice will NOT be meeting in November and December. Contact Patty or the TRU office with comments, questions or concerns.

Greater Detroit has public transit service right now that has improved a great deal over recent years. Our Riders Voice committee works to promote bus ridership and to push the bus services to continue to improve.

Transit Town Hall mtg w/ Rep. Marie Donigan	Monday, November 19, 2007 at 7:00pm	Oakland Community College Commons Area, 739 South Washington Royal Oak, MI 48067

East Meets West Public Transit Town Hall Meetings Two informational town hall meetings about mass transit and public transportation options in Southeast and West Michigan. Hosted by Rep. Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) and Rep. Tom Pearce (R-Grand Rapids) Guests will include: David Bulkowski Director of Disability Advocates of Kent County & Facilitator of Faith in Motion Casey Dutmer Chair of Concerned Citizens for Improved Transportation Clark Goodrich Concerned Citizens for Improved Transportation Andy Guy Project Director, Michigan Land Use Institute Jennifer Kalczuk, Media Relations Director, The Rapid, Kent County Carmine Palombo Director of Transportation for SEMCOG Donald J. Stypula Executive Director, Grand Valley Metro Council Megan Owens Executive Director of Transportation Riders United Repeated in Grand Rapids on December 10

Cityscape Detroit: Development in Detroit

Friday, November 30, 2007 at 6:30pm

SmartDetroit, 13th floor Penobscot Bldg., 645 Griswold, downtown Detroit

Cityscape Detroit presents

George Jackson, president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC)

"Development in Detroit"

Cityscape Detroit is the oldest nonprofit in Detroit devoted to urban planning, urbanism and the "built environment." www.CityscapeDetroit.org

George Jackson is the guest speaker at this year's annual meeting and it perhaps the single most important player in redeveloping Detroit. Come here what DEGC does; the latest with the East Riverfron, West Riverfront, Campus Martius, Lower Woodward Corridor, Rock Financial, Book/Cadillac, Hudson's Block, etc.

Members are free. Open to the public - $8 donation recommended. Please RSVP to am@cityscapedetroit.org - walk-ups are welcome too.

Bus to the Movies: A Transit Project

East Meets West Public Transit Town Hall Meetings