In the new Report Card on DDOT bus service released today by TRU, DDOT earned a “D” grade for just 67% of buses arriving on time during a recent week of on-the-ground observations.
It is outrageous that for riders working six days a week, DDOT would make them late twice every week – clearly unacceptable to any boss. How can people get ahead if they cannot get around?!
The Report Card, entitled “Too Many Riders Left Behind: DDOT Still Failing to Provide Adequate Bus Service,” is the third produced by TRU. In Fall 2011, DDOT earned an “F” with just 50% of buses departing within 5 minutes of their schedule. In Spring 2012, DDOT earned a “D-” with 63% on-time.
While there has been some improvement, there continues to be insufficient bus service provided on an unreliable schedule. The accompanying Faces of Transit features individual stories of Detroiters impacted by DDOT’s failures, including having lost job opportunities.
TRU also shared the “Transit Bill of Rights” signed by thousands of Detroiters and others throughout the region, demanding a high quality transportation system through “reliable, on-time service; efficient and well-managed service; good access to transit information; and public involvement in transit decision-making.”
TRU has invited officials on a special “Ride The Bus” day on November 30, and will personally escort members of the Bing Administration, Financial Advisory Board, and DDOT management through the city by bus. State Senators Johnson and Casperson learned a great deal from a previous similar experience. Hopefully Detroit decision makers will do the same.