Detroit council hears DDOT 2026 budget: $160 million Coolidge terminal, service growth and dozens of council requests approved

The Detroit Department of Transportation on Thursday presented its fiscal 2026 priorities and capital program to Detroit City Council, outlining plans to increase drivers and buses, complete a $160 million Coolidge Terminal replacement and advance service and paratransit upgrades as the city’s ridership grows.

“Our priorities are frequent and reliable service, a safe system and a positive customer experience,” Robert Kramer, director of the Detroit Department of Transportation, told the council. “We’ve increased our field positions from about 370 to over 500 in the last 12 months.”

Kramer said DDOT aims to expand morning and afternoon peak “pullout” — buses required on the road at peak times — from about 179 buses in January 2025 with planned increases in April and later into fiscal 2026. He described the Coolidge Terminal replacement as a major operational investment, financed by federal, state and local funds, and nearing the 50% construction mark.

Why it matters

Council members pressed DDOT for more detail on how the agency will translate the budget into improved on-time performance, more shelters and accessible stops, and costs for implementing its multi-year “DDOT Reimagine” plan and a low-income fare. Those follow-ups were added to the council’s closing business or executive session for further analysis.

Most important details

- Ridership and staffing: DDOT reported about 1 million riders in January 2025 (a roughly 25–33% increase over January 2024) and said active transit equipment operators (TEOs, the agency’s bus drivers) rose from roughly 370 to more than 500 in the past year. Mechanics (GAM) rose from about…