Detroit Mayoral Candidate Forum on Public Transit

Summary

• Public Transit is a Civic Priority: Candidates and advocates emphasized that reliable, accessible, and efficient public transit is not a luxury but a necessity. Many Detroit residents depend on buses daily, especially those who cannot afford private transportation.

• Strong Support for Doubling the DOT Budget: All participating candidates endorsed the DOT Reimagined Plan, advocating for a doubling of the transit budget to expand service, frequency, and accessibility by 2030.

• Investing in Workers = Better Service: Repeated calls were made for increasing driver and mechanic wages to match or exceed regional standards. Retention is critical, and the city currently spends around $40,000 per driver for training only to lose them to better-paying jobs elsewhere.

• Same-Day Paratransit Service is Essential: There was unanimous support for improving and expanding same-day services for paratransit users. Advocates highlighted challenges faced by disabled residents, and candidates pledged to ensure transit equity.

• Pedestrian & Cyclist Safety Must Improve: Candidates expressed frustration over unsafe conditions for non-drivers. Plans include installing more protected bike lanes, better crosswalks, repairing sidewalks, and enforcing traffic laws strictly.

• Denser, Equitable Development Needed: To enhance public transit use and accessibility, candidates proposed eliminating parking minimums, promoting mixed-use developments, and aligning transit expansion with housing strategies in neighborhoods.

• Regional and Federal Collaboration is Key: Everyone agreed that Detroit cannot achieve transit goals alone. Mayors must collaborate regionally and at state/federal levels to secure funding and implement integrated systems.

• Infrastructure and Tech Upgrades: Improvements in tech for scheduling and fleet tracking, better shelters and launch pads, and environmental sustainability like electric buses were proposed.

Insights Based on Numbers

• 33% of Detroiters lack access to cars, more than double the national average—highlighting the essential nature of transit.

• DOT starting wage is $19.36/hour vs. $25.85+ at SMART, causing a talent drain and undercutting service quality.

• DOT Reimagined Plan requires $130–150 million/year, calling for creative funding strategies beyond current federal and general fund sources.

• 200 new drivers and 150 buses needed to fulfill the plan—significant scaling efforts are crucial.

• Over 100 annual traffic deaths, making Detroit one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians—prompting urgent safety upgrades.