Should Detroit double transit funding?

Daily Detroit

Today’s episode gets into the need to increase Detroit’s transit funding, and what advocates at Transportation Riders United (TRU) say is the path toward a better transit system in the city. Our guest is Joel Batterman of TRU.

Key Takeaways:

• Discussing the DDOT Reimagined Plan: The city of Detroit released a plan in 2024 that would double the amount of bus service in the city, but it seems there isn't the funding for it.

• Frequent Transit: Advocates say that transit is considered “frequent” when a bus comes every 15 minutes, and that this is not always the case in Detroit’s current system.

• Impacts of Inadequate Transit: Hear how a lack of reliable public transportation effects residents and limits economic mobility

• The Role of Funding: Discuss how Detroit invests less in transit compared to other similar metro regions, and hear more about a campaign to double the city’s investment.

• What TRU says is needed: They'd like to see $150 million added to the current Detroit Department of Transportation budget.

Links:

• Transportation Riders United: detroittransit.org

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