2023-10-19: DDOT Community Input Meeting

Oct 19, 2023 — Meetings

At this regularly scheduled public input meeting, DDOT announced plans for increasing service on Jefferson as a “BRT” pilot. What this will look like remains to be seen.

This post supplements a livetweet provided by TRU staff member Claire. View the Twitter thread here .

Director Oglesby Says Farewell

DDOT Director Mikel Oglesby stepped down from his position in August . Today was his final appearance at a community input meeting, and he invited those on the call to attend a farewell party which will be held next week.

Public Comment Summary

Riders noted frequently delayed buses, run cuts, missing bus stop signs, and safety issues caused by drivers illegally parking in front of bus stops. One commenter noted a lack of running water at the Rosa Parks Transit Center and that contracted security officers were preventing riders from taking bags containing medical supplies or toiletries into the restrooms. This rider was given a pat-down, which DDOT claims they instructed security personnel never to do. Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield has expressed concern about this issue; the situation will be monitored closely in the coming weeks.

Note that Councilperson Waters requested a report on bathroom access for DDOT drivers earlier this month. Bridge Detroit reporter Malachi Barrett covered the report earlier this week.

Presentation Slides

A slide titled "Your Feedback, Our Changes" presents new reporting categories in the Improve Detroit mobile app including cleaning, broken glass, and missing or broken benches at DDOT stops.

A continuation of the previous slide shows the process for submitting a report and uploading relevant photos. The new categories are found under "Bus Shelter Issues."

The bus shelter replacement program is still in the early phases, with the next round of installations planned for next year. DDOT prioritizes shelters at transfer points, locations with a concentration of vulnerable users, or locations with otherwise meet criteria based on DDOT's Title Six program plan.

"Service Development and Scheduling" slide. A Bus Rapid Transit pilot is planned for January 2024 with daytime frequency increased to every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends. Capital projects for BRT elements and features would follow later in 2024.

Service Development and Scheduling, continued. Route 16 will see a restoration of 20 minute frequency on weekdays. Route 18 will see 45 minute frequency at the start of weekday service instead of after 8am.

Service Development and Scheduling, continued. Peak period supplemental trips will be added on routes 3, 7, 13, 15, 19, 27, 60, and 67. A virtual public hearing to discuss the proposed changes, including Jefferson BRT, will take place in lieu of the next Community Input Meeting in November.

A slide titled "State Fair Transit Center Construction Update." A picture of the inside of the Dairy Building shows multiple excavators and a crane with a fully graded dirt foundation. Text reads, "The site's underground infrastructure is installed, along with electric, plumbing, and gas services completed. The large bus openings on the north and south end are constructed. The focus now is on the exterior of the building, concrete pavement, and asphalt. The goal is to have all the exterior hardscapes installed before winter."

Additional photos show the crane positioned in front of a large facade above the open entryway and cinder blocks lining the floor of the building. Text reads, "Air quality monitoring is taking place throughout all construction phases. The historical murals and fairground images were documented with plans to incorporate throughout the new transit center. The plan is to open to the public in April 2024. — Learn more about the State Fair Transit Center at detroitmi.gov/ddotstatefair

A slide outlining the Coolidge Terminal replacement project. DDOT is working towards the demolition in the coming weeks. Currently, abatement, site prep, air monitoring, and equipment placement is happening on site. — To learn more about the Coolidge Terminal Replacement project, visit detroitmi.gov/coolidge

A slide titled DDOT Safety reads, "In our attempts to proactively address safety concerns, we invite and welcome the community's input. Feel free to contact us anytime to help us with overcoming safety hazards. The phone numbers for DDOT's Chief Safety Officer Corie Holmes and Safety Manager Gabby Honey are listed: 313 318 4006 and 313 590 6418.

A slide titled Transit Police reads, "In response to your comments about safety, please note that our transit police officers are issuing tickets for driving and parking violations."

A slide titled "DDOT Recuitment" shows trainees in yellow vests at instruction workstations. Text reads, "DDOT is hiring. DDOT currently has 50 students in training. 26 students are training behind the wheel. 24 students are driving in revenue service. 16 students were badged in September. Our next class will begin on Monday, October 23rd.

A continuation of the previous slide: "T E O Status. DDOT currently has 350 active operators and 28 inactive operators. 107 operators were badged this year." A man wearing a fluorescent yellow vest is seen behind the wheel of a coach.

Continued: "DDOT is also hiring non-driving positions. DDOT is an equal opportunity employer." A uniformed bus driver smiles as he collects fare from a passenger. — For more information about DDOT employment opportunities, please visit detroitmi.gov/ddot

Paratransit Monthly Peformance Report for September 2023. Big Star had one preventable accident while Checker and Delray had none. All are consistently hitting reliable on-time performance of 97% or above with only a few complaints in total.

Performance report, continued: Moe had one non-preventable accident, People's Express had none. Both are consistently hitting on-time performance of 97% or above.

Performance Report, continued: 14 complaints were lodged against DDOT specifically, of which 12 were deemed valid. Systemwide, paratransit providers included, 24 complaints were lodged with 21 deemed valid.

Performance Dashboard, August 2023: DDOT saw 975,579 riders with a weekday on-time performance of 64%, an average weekday morning pullout rate of 92%, and an average weekday afternoon pullout of rate 91%.

A slide titled "DDOT in the Community" with a picture of staff tabling at a large event. The table is green with various flyers, bus schedules, and meeting information leaflets. Text reads, "Attended the Eastside Climate Action Coalition's Transportation Fair and Conversation event on Wednesday, October 11th. Attended the Detroit Police Department's All Abilities Fair on Wednesday, October 18th. A representative from Paratransit will be attending the National Federation of the Blind Michigan State Convention next month."

A slide titled "DDOT / Halloween in the D" with a cartoon image of a pumpkin. Text reads, "The City of Detroit is hosting its annual Halloween in the D family-friendly celebrations this year. Events take place across the city at police precincts, recreation centers, and fire stations. DDOT is one again participating, and we invite you to check out our haunted bus and treats. We'll be at Fire Engine House 30, located at 16543 Meyers Road."

Upcoming Meetings. Virtual Public Hearing: January Service Changes, Thursday, November 16th at 5pm. Local Advisory Council Meeting: Thursday, November 21st at 10am. Virtual Community Input Meeting: Thursday, January 18th at 5pm.