DAX launches March 25. The service will accommodate travelers to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (March Madness) games that will be played in Detroit as well as the NFL Draft. Tickets can be purchased here. The service is funded through a Carbon Reduction Program grant for one year thanks to the US and Michigan Departments of Transportation as well as Southeast Michigan Council of Government, with the potential of funding for an additional six months or more. The RTA hopes to continue this pilot with additional funding.

Tickets purchased in advance will cost $6. Tickets purchased at the time of boarding will cost $8. Discounts are available for frequent riders, seniors, people with disabilities, and students. These fares match D2A2 prices and reflect public feedback which expressed a desire for a discounted rate. Tickets are available here or at the website homepage. Riders can also purchase tickets at the door, subject to availability.

The service will operate up to 16 roundtrips per day approximately hourly between 3:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. Since people travel at all times of the year, it would operate on holidays too. The expected travel time is 30 to 50 minutes one way, depending on traffic conditions and the departure/arrival terminal. Please be aware: Upcoming construction along the route may impact travel times.

The downtown Detroit stop will be located on the west side of Washington Boulevard at the intersection with State Street. This intersection is in the heart of the hotel district, and steps from Rosa Parks Transit Center, DDOT, MoGo bike share, the People Mover, and SMART. The QLINE is several blocks away. This stop is anticipated to complement existing transit service and traffic patterns. DAX will stop at both McNamara and Evans Terminals at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). The McNamara Terminal stop will be located at the dedicated drop-off and pick-up point at Departures. The Evans Terminal stop will be located at the Ground Transportation Center.

Not at this time. DAX designed to be as quick and appealing to as many riders as possible, and this direct route has been identified as a priority through RTA surveys and reports. Since this is a pilot project, the RTA will study the success of this route for a one- to three-year test period. In the long term, the RTA has a strategic investment priority (strategy) of establishing more express services throughout its four-county region.

Michigan Flyer will operate DAX. Michigan Flyer is a Michigan-based inter-city bus service that runs luxury coach buses. The service will travel along I-94 to deliver passengers from one destination to another in about 30-50 minutes.

Similar to D2A2, the DAX is designed for the comfort of travelers and regular commuters. Coach buses are equipped with comfortable seats; arm- and footrests; WiFi; USB charging ports; individual lighting; a bathroom; other amenities; and ample room for each traveler. There is undercarriage storage available for luggage. The buses are ADA-compliant, can accommodate two wheelchairs, and there are lifts available for easy boarding.

DAX buses are decaled with the DAX logo and letters on the side. On occasion, an Indian Trails bus will operate the route due to regularly scheduled maintenance.