Michelin providing free People Mover rides in Motown

DETROIT (Nov. 24, 2014) — For the first time, Detroit People Mover (DPM) patrons will enjoy free rides as they attend downtown Detroit activities on Thanksgiving, compliments of Michelin North America Inc.

Thousands of people are expected to travel downtown for Detroit's Thanksgiving Day parade, Detroit Lions football game and winter activities at Campus Martius Park.

Michelin is sponsoring the Free Fare Day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at any of the People Mover stations in the city. Fares are normally 75 cents per ride.

“Michelin has several great partnerships in the state of Michigan and providing free transportation on the Detroit People Mover for this busy Thanksgiving is something that we're excited about,” said Ken Kruithof, vice president of national dealer sales at Michelin Americas Small Tires, who added that the company hopes “this partnership helps people get around a little bit easier on this special day for the city.”

Vetra Stephens, marketing director for PTN-NRS, the Melvindale, Mich.-based advertising agency representative for Detroit Transportation Corp., said the city is “excited that Michelin has stepped up to partner with us on one of the most important days of the year for the city of Detroit.

“We're hopeful this will help ease traffic and allow people to park all around the city, utilizing the People Mover to reach their destination.”

DPM was built in 1987 as part of a planned, regional transportation system. It is owned and operated by Detroit Transportation Corp.