Changes to Public Transit in Detroit

The new vision for Detroit's public transit system focuses on safety and reliability.

News Summary

Detroit’s public transportation system is set for improvements under new DDOT director Robert Cramer, focusing on reliability and safety. With a commitment to enhancing bus services, new infrastructure projects, and federal funding support, Cramer aims to regain riders’ trust and increase monthly ridership towards pre-pandemic levels.

Exciting Changes Coming to Public Transit in Detroit

Detroit is getting a fresh face at the helm of public transportation. Early January marked a significant shift as Robert Cramer took over as the new director of the Detroit Department of Transportation, also known as DDOT. This transition brings a wave of optimism for local residents as Cramer orchestrates a vision aimed at making your bus rides safe and reliable.

A New Chapter for DDOT

Cramer isn’t new to the transportation scene. Before stepping into his role with DDOT, he led the agency managing the iconic Detroit People Mover. With his experience and knowledge of the public transit landscape—including time spent with the Michigan Department of Transportation and SMART—Cramer is well-prepared to tackle the challenges facing the city’s bus system. Now, DDOT operates more than 48 routes and nearly 300 buses, serving over 5,000 bus stops throughout the city.

Focus on Reliability and Safety

One of Cramer’s primary missions for DDOT is to ensure every rider can depend on the bus system for their daily travel needs. He knows that establishing and rebuilding trust with riders is essential for the department’s success. Recent data shows that DDOT’s on-time performance is currently at 78%—a number that falls slightly below the industry average of 80%. However, there’s good news; DDOT managed a remarkable 98% of bus pullouts, meaning nearly all buses left their starting points on schedule.

This commitment to improving service is evident as more than one million people have relied on DDOT each month since March 2024. Although this number represents a positive step, it’s still below the pre-pandemic ridership levels that exceeded 2 million rides each month. It’s a journey of progress, but much more work lies ahead.

Addressing Riders’ Concerns

The voices of young Detroit residents resonate loudly, bringing attention to a perceived gap in efficient public transit options. Cramer acknowledges these sentiments and emphasizes that by prioritizing reliable service and enhancing the overall customer experience, the perception of mass transit can shift positively. To that end, DDOT intends to incrementally increase bus routes and services, paving the way for a brighter future.

There are also plans set in motion to acquire new buses and improve infrastructure. The construction of the new Coolidge Terminal is on the agenda, with a completion date expected in 2026. This terminal, alongside other projects, is crucial for expanding transit options and serving a broader audience.

Funding and Future Prospects

Federal funding will play a pivotal role in these planned enhancements, particularly for capital projects aimed at improving the fleet. Cramer believes that had earlier investments been made in local transit infrastructure—like a subway system—the economic landscape of the region may have shifted significantly, jaunting progress towards community interconnectivity.

Cramer understands that while there’s a strong desire among the community for expanded services, maintaining reliability holds utmost importance. Advocates like Transportation Riders United are urging city officials to allocate $150 million to help improve transit services, highlighting the demand for immediate and long-term improvements.

An Engaged Approach

In his new role, Cramer delights in the prospect of working closely with community advocates and gathering feedback to guide DDOT’s initiatives. Regular interaction with riders allows the department to understand their needs and adjust accordingly. The hopes are high; eventually, DDOT wants to serve 440,000 passengers each week, scaling up from about 250,000 passengers currently.

While the road to transit improvement is long and requires diligent planning and execution, the positive strides already underway signal exciting times ahead for Detroit’s public transportation system.

As Cramer navigates this new chapter, the community waits eagerly for the enhancements that, although they may take time, promise to enrich the everyday lives of many residents in this vibrant city. Stay tuned, Detroit—big changes are just around the corner!