Detroit DOT Celebrates Graduation of 30 New Drivers

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joined with officials from Detroit DOT recently to celebrate the graduation of 30 new bus drivers. The size of the class is an example of Detroit’s expanded efforts to increase its number of drivers.

Currently, DDOT has approximately 400 drivers, with approximately 100 having received their official badges during 2023. DDOT continues to hire additional drivers to reach its target of 600, as well as additional mechanics.

“Any day we can welcome more operators to our workforce is a good day, especially a group of this size, which we have not seen in years,” said DDOT Interim Executive Director G. Michael Staley. “This class of operators has dedicated themselves to train for the most difficult job at DDOT. Every operator plays an integral role in providing much-needed transportation to the city of Detroit.”

The additional drivers will support increased service frequency on 9-Jefferson, expected to go into effect Jan. 22. The route, which will become a BRT pilot, will see daytime frequency increased to every 10 minutes on weekdays and 15 minutes on weekends.

“Under the leadership of Director Staley and President Collier, DDOT is turning a major corner,” said Mayor Duggan. “We are so proud of these individuals who have chosen to serve our residents in such an important way, and the more we are able to hire, the more new service we can add.”