Northwest Wayne News

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) has announced several service enhancements and increased frequency on several routes in the city. Starting from Monday, January 22, 2024, DDOT will be increasing the frequency of bus service on the 9-Jefferson route and adding additional runs to various other routes.

According to DDOT, the increased number of new operators in recent months has made it possible to support the enhanced service frequency. In the past month, DDOT graduated 30 new Transit Equipment Operators and currently has 115 students in training. This influx of new operators has been possible due to the $3 per hour raise on the starting wage and wage cap for transit equipment officers, along with an additional $500 to the quarterly bonus for good attendance. The pay raise was approved by the Detroit City Council on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, and has led to an increase in the number of applicants.

The 9-Jefferson route, which is the first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) pilot project, will see a significant increase in daytime frequency. Starting from January 22, buses on the 9-Jefferson route will run every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends. DDOT is also implementing various improvements along the Jefferson corridor, which will include temporary bus stop islands to eliminate the need for buses to change lanes and merge in and out of traffic. Bus stop consolidations will also be carried out to ensure consistent spacing and help speed up the service. Additionally, permanent boarding islands will be coordinated with improvements by the Department of Public Works (DPW), and new/improved shelters with information displays will be installed at selected locations. Major transfer intersections will also see improvements with the introduction of "Connection Corners."

In addition to the enhancements on the 9-Jefferson route, DDOT will also be increasing the bus frequency on the 16-Dexter and 18-Fenkell routes. Peak period runs will be added to several other routes, including 3-Grand River, 13-Conner, 15-Chicago/Davison, 19-Fort, 7-Seven Mile, 27-Joy, 60-Evergreen, and 67-Cadillac/Harper.

The increased frequency and additional runs on these routes aim to provide improved service to several areas of Detroit. DDOT encourages anyone interested in becoming a bus operator to visit the website detroitmi.gov/DDOT for more information on how to apply.

With these service enhancements and increased frequency on multiple routes, DDOT is working towards improving public transportation options for the residents of Detroit.