Live reporting by
Ashley Williams
Proposed DDOT service changes are met with skepticism due to lack of bus drivers and failure to meet current bus route timing.
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Ashley Williams
@williams_ashsue
Hi Detroiters!👋I’ll be live-tweeting tonight's Public Hearing for Proposed DDOT Service Changes meeting for #DETdocumenters at 5:00 PM.
@DetDocumenters media partners:
@BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes
@MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit
@DetDocumenters media partners:
@BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes
@MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit
02:41 PM Nov 16, 2023 CST
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@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Info about tonight's meeting can be found here👉
detroitmi.gov/events/public-…
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@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit ‼️ IMPORTANT: If you believe anything in the coverage tonight is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.
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@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Back with #DETdocumenters! About to begin.
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@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit This is what is being discussed tonight:
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@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit FYIs for today's meeting.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Tonight's meeting will cover details for the proposed changes and allow for feedback on the proposal.
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@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Daytime frequency would increase to every 10 minutes (currently 15) on weekdays and 15 minutes (currently 30) on weekends for the 9 Jefferson route is the proposal.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Proposed design & layout - this would allow buses to stay in the lane, and not have to dodge traffic. This would allow for quicker pick ups/drop offs.
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@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Bus stop consolidations are also part of this plan - 1/4 mile spacing proposed.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Currenlty the 16 runs every 22 minutes. This would be a 2 minute improvement. The 18 currently starts at 1-hour frequency, but would be movnig to a 45 min frequency all day.
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@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit The meeting is now open for public comment. Verbal comments tonight will be recorded in public record. Comments not made tonight can be emailed to ddotcomments@detroitmi.gov by Dec 15.
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@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit #1: Says changes are encouraging, but want DDOT to continue to be vocal/transparent about changes. Says Dexter and Jefferson changes are helpful, but Fenkell bus isn't timely anyway. Says he doesn't know how they can promise these timings when short drivers.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit #2: In agreement with previous commenter. Not enough drivers, is this a good time to promise this? How is this possible?
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit #3: Resident of Farmington Hills and regular DDOT rider; support for these service improvements. Concerned about peak period additional trips, saying it is vague language - When? How many? May be better to priortize basic amenties, ie. lack of benches/shelters on Greenfield.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit #4: Support of improvements, but share concerns of other commenters. Important to prioritize reliability - what is being promised needs to be delivered, and that requires more drivers. Maryland stop is a big transfer point between DDOT/SMART - would like to see stop maintained.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit #5: With Transit Justice Team; winter is approaching and we don't have enough shelters protecting ADA/student riders as is. If this is able to be accomplished, it would be greatly appreciated. Other routes need updating too.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit #6: Handicap individial that uses an electric wheelchair; uses DDOT services frequently. Issues with drivers saying the bus is too full when visibly not, and equipment isn't working properly. Missed 6 appointments in 2023 due to drivers not being willing to pick him up.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit #7: Agree with other commenters, really excited about "service changes" and being positive. Concerned about DDOT's ability to make these changes a reality. Says there are really chronic problems with servicing wheelchair users.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit #8: Sorry to the wheelchair user. Changes seem like a lot of resources going into Jefferson, and would like to see more done to the routes that go through neighborhoods.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit #9: Are you going to increase service for Dexter or decrease?
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit #10: What about all the other buses? Sometimes rides other bus routes.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit That rounds up public comment.
Comments may also be submitted by Dec 15:
Email:
DDOTcomments@detroitmi.gov
Mail:
Detroit Department of Transportation
ATTN: Jan 2024 Hearing
100 Mack Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
Comments may also be submitted by Dec 15:
Email:
DDOTcomments@detroitmi.gov
Mail:
Detroit Department of Transportation
ATTN: Jan 2024 Hearing
100 Mack Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Dexter proposal would be an improvement, per Steve Patrinick.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Patrinick also shared in chat that supplemental trips don't change base frequncy, but they add a single trip in between two other trips.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit No community input meeting in December. Will resume in January.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1616617531376025601/zUhe05NA_bigger.jpg)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit The meeting was adjourned at 5:44 p.m. For more, visit .
detroit.documenters.org