New Director at the Detroit Department of Transportation

A modern Detroit bus aims to improve public transit experiences.

News Summary

Robert Cramer has taken the helm as the new director of the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) as of January 6, 2024, succeeding interim director Michael Staley. Cramer aims to revamp the city’s public transit system by increasing bus reliability, enhancing communication about schedules, and expanding services. With plans for new environmentally friendly buses and significant budget adjustments, he is optimistic about rebuilding public trust and improving the transit experience for Detroit residents.

Exciting Changes Ahead for the Detroit Department of Transportation!

Detroit is buzzing with news as Robert Cramer has just stepped into the director’s role at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) on January 6, 2024! He takes over from the interim director, Michael Staley, and brings a wealth of experience in transportation planning and GIS mapping to the table. Having previously overseen the Detroit People Mover, Cramer is well-prepared to revamp public transit in the Motor City.

What’s on the Agenda, Cramer?

Cramer’s big plans center on creating a safer and more reliable bus system that truly serves the needs of Detroit residents. With DDOT currently operating over 48 routes, nearly 300 buses, and service at more than 5,000 bus stops, there’s certainly a lot to consider! One of his top priorities is to rebuild trust with riders, something that’s crucial in getting more folks to hop on the bus instead of driving their cars.

The need for improved service reliability cannot be overstated. With only about 78% of DDOT buses currently arriving on time, there’s definitely room for improvement, especially since the industry average stands at 80%. Cramer pointed out that timely service is vital for riders who depend on buses to get to jobs and medical appointments.

Addressing Challenges Head-On

Part of the challenge lies in the on-time performance numbers. While the mornings see about 78% of buses leaving on time, that drops in the mid-afternoon and evening to just 62%. That’s why Cramer has emphasized the importance of sharing timely information about bus schedules and any service disruptions. Riders deserve to know what to expect, and clear communication can make all the difference!

Working Towards a More Reliable Transit System

Another goal for Cramer is to streamline services and enhance the overall customer experience. He’s looking into ways to expand routes and bus services to better meet community needs. Since March 2024, DDOT has seen over 1 million monthly riders, but it’s still a far cry from pre-pandemic numbers of over 2 million. One of the challenges has been that nearly a third of the fleet is often out of service—last year, about 96 buses were routinely out due to repairs.

With federal funding playing a crucial role, Cramer is also focused on aligning the DDOT budget expansion with available resources. Proposed financial adjustments include a budget increase of nearly $20 million, which will help hire more drivers and mechanics, paving the way for additional buses on the road.

Exciting Fleet Enhancements Coming!

Looking ahead, DDOT plans to welcome 84 new buses over the next two years—mostly hybrid models along with a few electric and hydrogen fuel buses. This means that riders can expect not only increased options but also an environmentally friendly fleet. Cramer is eager to connect with community advocates to ensure that local needs are met, promising to keep the lines of communication open.

And there’s even more in the works! The Coolidge Terminal, a $160 million project, is currently under construction and will serve as a central hub for DDOT operations by 2026. Plus, Cramer is set to implement the DDOT Reimagined plan, focusing on improving bus networks and stop infrastructure.

Community Voices Matter

Advocacy groups like Transportation Riders United are keen on seeing increased local funding to speed up service enhancements and bolster underfunded transit systems. With strong leadership and a focus on improvement, Robert Cramer is paving the way for a brighter future for public transit in Detroit.

Stay tuned as DDOT continues to evolve under this new direction—there’s plenty to look forward to for every Detroit rider!