A transit advocacy group is pushing for more funding for the Detroit Department of Transportation.
“The mayor has proposed a substantial boost of $20 million. We are definitely supportive of that, but we believe we need more in order to achieve the level of service that the city deserves,” said Transportation Riders United Campaigns Manager Joel Batterman.
Mayor Mike Duggan touted investments in DDOT during his State of the City address.
“(We’re) adding 45 buses, hiring 63 new drivers, and bringing on 24 new mechanics, increasing the daily bus count from 178 to 220, the most in years,” Duggan said Tuesday (March 25) night.
Transportation Riders United is calling for an additional $16 million on top of the $20 million proposed by Duggan in his budget to improve service frequency and to add and remodel bus shelters.
“We have talked to many people over the years who have lost jobs due to inadequate transit service,” Batterman said.
DDOT Executive Director of Transit Robert Cramer stated that the mayor is proposing to improve the rider experience right on target.
“This proposed budget really gives us the opportunity to make incremental increases throughout the next fiscal year at a rate that we believe we can sustain while keeping the service safe and reliable,” Cramer said.
Will, a DDOT rider, mentioned that he has noticed improvements in DDOT service.
“In recent years, the bus service has improved significantly. I often use the bus when I’m in the downtown area,” Will said.
Transportation Riders United plans to hold a demonstration before the city council’s budget hearing on Monday, March 31. The city council is responsible for approving the budget.
