It's 2024 and traveling these days can be more of a headache than expected with flight delays, rerouting of trains and if driving, you have to deal with never-ending construction. When it comes to traveling, is there a process that runs through your mind? What is your routine? Let's think about it for a moment. Checklists must be answered and completed in order to have a smooth day of travel. The RTA understands traveling and has taken into consideration by listening to residents and now there is a solution. The all new Detroit Air Xpress also known as DAZ for short is available for all.

Southeast Michigan residents, if you are looking for a way to travel from Downtown Detroit to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), look no further. Operating 365 days a year, there are 16 daily trips that will take you from Downtown Detroit and it drops you off at either terminal at DTW each day. For now, the hours of operation for DAX start at 3:30am and it ends at 11pm. It's relatively reasonable in price as well! Tickets one way are $6 dollars in advance and $8 at the door.

The Detroit Air Xpress ribbon cutting ceremony took place in late March to celebrate the new service. DAX became a reality as part of the Regional Transit Master Plan (RTA). RTA spoke to consumers, residents and citizens about their transit needs, wants and desires. One thing that often came up in those conversations were, a nonstop option to the airport. RTA then applied for grant funding and in 2022 received the funds totaling $2.5 million dollars. Considered to be a pilot program, this new program will be heavily studied for the next 12 to 18 months. RTA will specifically be studying and taking data on things like the ridership, the hours of operations, etc. The overall goal is to have this service become permanent, with expansion in other counties and communities in the Southeast Michigan Region.

"We have seen a positive outpouring of excitement about this next chapter of transit options here in Southeast Michigan" said, Cori Wofford, Director of External Relations of the Regional Transit Authority. There is a lot to offer with DAX. According to RTA, "RTA envisions a region with sufficient and stable funding to support improved public transit options that will advance equity by increasing accessibility and the needs of Southeast Michigan communities, all while promoting a livable, healthy, and sustainable growth".

Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans took the ride to experience DAX to Metro Airport as he, his staff and Wayne County continues to lead the way in shaping the future of transportation needs for all residents.

Joining the ride with Wayne County Executive Evans, he gave insight of this new program and he addressed questions that were asked about the crime and individuals who may not feel as though the Downtown community is safe. There was no holding back with the Telegram News. In fact, we addressed the history of Downtown Detroit and the old image versus the new image that is being created. If you consider yourself to be a Detroiter along with other residents from various surrounding communities, then you know the phases that have taken place over the years. If you are concerned about your safety look at what was revealed. "That's one of the toughest nuts to crack, when you are trying to change the old image to a new one. People only feel safe when they feel safe. The data shows that homicide rates are down and every indicator of violent crimes are significantly down. That is where we've done a much better job. It is safe! Look at all of the amenities that are Downtown now", said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.

The ride from Downtown to Metro Airport only took about half an hour without traffic. As we traveled smoothly on the Detroit Air Xpress, there were some amenities that all travelers will benefit from. The Bus comes equipped with a restroom, baggage space, comfort seating, Wi-Fi and the one thing that is always needed, charging ports.

Downtown Detroit is filled with Business clientele, world-class travelers, and now this is a simple and exciting new way for them to have their traveling needs met. Onboard with Wayne County Executive Evans, were County Commissioners and representatives from DTW. Chad Newton, CEO of Wayne County Airport Authority said that, "The airport has long needed a direct route from Downtown Detroit to the airport, there is not a good form of public transportation here. The thing I like the most about this route is that it's really going to benefit a lot of our employees. A lot of our employees rely on public transportation and to be able to have a direct route to and from work, where they don't have to spend an hour to an hour and a half on a bus ride, it will take 30 mins and they could be at work. A lot of employers are talking about possibly covering the cost for folks that take this route, so it'll be a great opportunity as well."

Wayne County is continuing in its efforts of restoring, rebuilding and rebranding. Expectations are high and the excitement continues as the summer season is soon approaching. Look out for more improvements in Wayne County coming this year. Evans said, "For me it's not just about Detroit but for Wayne County as a whole. Look into Wayne County Parks, come to them, look at them and you'll stay. We are creating the hiking trails, canoes and kayaking possibilities and if you have horses, you can ride them. Fishing is another option for residents among a number of other things. I want people to use the parks. Parks aren't just used for recreation; they are also health related. We think in Wayne County very much of the holistic approach. We have 43 communities and they are all kind of separate and distinct but the idea is to make the whole region, One Wayne County. You ought to travel and see what the county has to offer."

Left to Right: James Heath, Corporation Council for Wayne County; Hassan Sheikh, Economic Development Director for Wayne County; Chad Norton, CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority; Al Haidous, Wayne County Commissioner; Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans; Assad Turfe, Deputy County Executive Wayne County; Brian Reinhart, Chief of Staff Wayne County

Detroit, Downriver and residents of Southeast Michigan, look out for Wayne County. There is more to come for its residents. If you are heading out of town soon and you have to fly out of DTW, make it convenient for yourself. Get dropped off Downtown and ride the DAX experience to the McNamara or the Warren C. Evans Terminals. Will you be trying it out?