Essential Riders restore Woodward #4 access to the Rosa Parks Transit Center
The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) Woodward #4 bus will now routinely stop at the Rosa Parks Transit Center with increased frequency of 12 minutes. This change was implemented in response to complaints from transit justice members, in addition to disabled and elderly riders having to walk several blocks to transfer to other bus routes. The Woodward #4 bus service has been both unpredictable and unreliable. The DDOT community monthly meetings has been an organizing space for DDOT riders to win improved services.
Coalition of Transit, Environmental, and Disability Justice Organizations for the Double DDOT Campaign
For decades DDOT has experienced disinvestment and under funding until recently. DPP’s Transit Justice Team, along with the Budget Justice Coalition, is supporting the “Double DDOT” campaign in this year’s city budget season. The campaign seeks to increased funding to DDOT from the city’s general fund.
This years campaign will include, the Transit Justice Team, Detroit Disability Power, Warriors on Wheels, Amalgamated Transit Union Local #26 (the union for DDOT drivers and mechanics), Transportation Riders United and Sierra Club have organized to advocate, organize, and support an increase from $150 million to over $200 million from the general fund through 2030.
A joint letter to City Council and the Mayor made the case based on the fact that DDOT is unable to retain drivers and mechanics due to competition and higher driver wages paid by SMART, freight trucking companies, and school districts. Increased funding from the City of Detroit could protect DDOT from potential cuts in federal funding and allow DDOT to make investments in capital and operations as called for in the DDOT Reimagined Plan. To sign and support our Double DDOT letter, please sign here:
