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DDOT director reports improved service metrics; advocates press council for large general-fund boost
Summary
DDOT reported revenue miles near schedule, rising ridership and stronger on-time performance but missed-trip rates remain above targets. Advocates at public comment urged doubling DDOT funding or a $250 million general-fund subsidy; council discussed contracts and asked the department for further budget requests.
Detroit Department of Transportation Executive Director Robert Kramer told the City Council Public Health & Safety committee his first quarterly update since taking the job shows measurable operational gains while highlighting remaining gaps in service and equipment.
Kramer said DDOT provided about 96–97% of scheduled revenue miles in the quarter and reported a year-over-year ridership gain: December ridership was up about 14% compared with December 2023. On-time performance, Kramer said, rose from the mid-60s last year to the mid- to upper-70s this quarter; the department’s goal is 85%.
“We take our role and our impact on people’s lives very seriously,” Kramer said, describing efforts to expand operator classes, boost maintenance hiring and reduce missed trips. He told the committee DDOT had increased active transit-equipment operators (TEOs) by graduating new classes and had more than 500 active TEOs for the first time in a long time.
What’s still short: Kramer and staff said missed trips remain roughly 3–4% (with a program target closer to 2%), maintenance staffing needs continued, and several older buses remain out for heavy repair. He said the agency expects delivery of nine new diesel-electric buses in June and anticipates 45 new buses by year end, but added manufacturers have experienced delays.
Public commenters and council members pressed for more resources. Transit advocates and riders urged the council to “double DDOT” and named a $150 million to $250 million general-fund ask; one speaker asked for at least $250 million from general funds to support service improvements. Several commenters proposed targeted free-fare programs for veterans and people experiencing homelessness.
Committee decisions and contracts: While the committee did not adopt an immediate budget increase, it approved two DDOT contract amendments for planning, engineering and program management services: HNTB Michigan (contract 603776, amendment 2) and WSP Michigan (contract 6001851, amendment 2) were extended and sent to the formal agenda with recommendations to approve. The committee also accepted a memo asking the administration to study the feasibility of reinstating bus routes; the item will return to committee in two weeks.
Why it matters: Riders and advocates said the city needs faster frequency and more reliable pullouts to reduce missed trips—especially during extreme weather—so that transit becomes a viable daily alternative rather than a last resort.
Ending: The committee directed DDOT to return with more specific staffing and budget numbers for the council’s upcoming budget deliberations; members said they want concrete asks that tie staff, vehicles and maintenance capacity to specific reliability targets.
