Tram upgrades complete in Detroit Metropolitan Airport’s McNamara Terminal
DETROIT (May 1, 2019) – After an extensive improvement project, both trams at Detroit Metropolitan Airport’s (DTW) McNamara Terminal are back in service today. The upgrades to the trams took place in three phases over an eight-month period. The hardware, software and equipment in each tram was refurbished or replaced to improve reliability, safety and efficiency.
During the project, equipment inside each tram, such as air conditioning, door controls and carpeting was refurbished. Also, the old controls and sensors were removed throughout the tram system, allowing for new controls and sensors to be installed and programmed.
“We are excited to announce that both trams are fully operational,” said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Chad Newton. “We want to thank our customers for their patience over the last several months. Our trams have not required many updates since the McNamara Terminal opened in 2002. We expect that after the most recent upgrades, our trams will not need another complete overhaul for 15 years or more.”
Rockwell International installed the controls and software. Otis acted as the program manager of the project and installed as well as maintained the equipment. The total cost for the project was $13 million.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) welcomed more than 35 million passengers in 2018 and is one of the world’s leading air transportation hubs. With service from 13 scheduled passenger airlines, Michigan’s largest airport offers approximately 1,100 flights per day to and from more than 140 nonstop destinations on four continents. With two award-winning passenger terminals, six jet runways, and an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin Hotel, DTW is among the world’s most efficient, customer friendly and operationally capable airports in North America. DTW is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates nearby Willow Run Airport – an important corporate, cargo and general aviation facility. The Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive tax dollars to support airport operations. Visit www.metroairport.com for more information.