Unlike many transit agencies, the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is a city department. As with other departments, the Mayor and City Council decide how much funding it gets each year. This October, we have an opportunity to start making the case for more DDOT funding – and more service – by speaking up at the City’s upcoming round of district budget priorities meetings.
The 2024 DDOT Reimagined proposal envisioned roughly doubling DDOT service over 2024 levels, providing service every 15 minutes or better on major routes. To do that, the City needs more drivers and more buses. As shown below, the City has made progress on both fronts since 2024, thanks to increased allocations of budget funding, but much more remains to be done. That will require more money.
The City’s budget process for the next fiscal year (FY 2028) is already getting started. Later this month, the City is holding a series of online Budget Priorities Forums where attendees will have the opportunity to comment and vote on their top budget priorities. Please mark your calendar for your district’s budget forum and plan to attend to speak up for more public transit funding! (Not sure which district you live in? Look it up.)
Budget Priorities Forums for City Council Districts
| District 1 | Thursday, October 29, 2026, 5 PM | Zoom Link: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/83384415741 Meeting ID is 833 8441 5741 |
| District 2 | Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 5 PM | Zoom Link: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/86336845301 Meeting ID: 863 3684 5301 |
| District 3 | Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 6 PM | Zoom Link: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/82655289310 Meeting ID: 826 5528 9310 |
| District 4 | Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 6 PM | Zoom Link: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/85996130562 Meeting ID: 859 9613 0562 |
| District 5 | Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 6 PM | Zoom Link: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/82045967056 Meeting ID: 820 4596 7056 |
| District 6 | Thursday, October 22, 2026, 5 PM | Zoom Link: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/87881183248 Meeting ID: 878 8118 3248 |
| District 7 | Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 5 PM | Zoom Link: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/89385098608 Meeting ID: 893 8509 8608 |
In addition to funding for more frequent and reliable bus service and more shelters and benches, it’s worth bringing up the need for allocating funding for safer pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The budget is a statements of our priorities as a City, and freedom of mobility for all residents to access opportunity should be at or near the top of the list.