Detroit Riders To See Cleaner Air As City Invests Federal Funds In Hybrid Bus Expansion With $50M Grant

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) unveiled plans Monday for substantial advancements, including wage increases and the acquisition of 53 new buses, supported by a $50.8 million federal grant. Mayor Mike Duggan emphasized that this investment will introduce new hybrid buses alongside newly ratified contracts for DDOT drivers and mechanics, marking a transformative phase for the city’s transit system.Announced last week by the Trump administration, this substantial funding aims to phase out aging diesel buses. The exact grant amount totals $50,854,529.Megan Owens, president of Transit Riders United, expressed gratitude towards Duggan, DDOT director Robert Cramer, and Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield, stating that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain. Owens highlighted the importance of the DDOT Reimagined initiative to enhance transit reliability and accessibility for Detroit residents.Union leader Muneer Islam noted that recent contract agreements will raise mechanic wages to $34.50 per hour, reinforcing the collaborative effort to modernize both service and facilities.