DDOT Virtual Monthly Community Input Meeting - 3/19/26

The City of Detroit's Department of Transportation (DDOT) held a virtual monthly community input meeting on March 19, 2026, to discuss transit service updates and gather public feedback. Key procurement-related topics included the recent purchase of 45 new buses to replace aging vehicles, funded in part by federal grants, and budget allocations for paratransit services with an additional $2 million included in the fiscal year 2027 budget to meet rising demand. The meeting also addressed capital improvement projects such as bus shelter placements and ADA compliance challenges, particularly along Dexter Street and Michigan Avenue. Attendees raised concerns about bus service reliability, scheduling, customer service, and safety issues related to bus stops near bike lanes. DDOT staff highlighted ongoing efforts to improve real-time bus tracking technology and rider alerts through software upgrades and mobile apps. Policy discussions touched on fare transfer acceptance between DDOT and SMART services and operational constraints affecting service frequency and transit center hours. No formal votes or contract awards were reported during the meeting, but several action items were noted for further investigation and service improvements based on community input.