Detroit announces city bus service expansions

The 5% overall increase in service (starting today) means 13 routes will see more frequent buses, and 17 routes are to see expanded service hours on weekends, says press materials from the Detroit Department of Transportation.

This is in large part thanks to a $20 million increase in DDOT's budget, with money for additional maintenance, mechanics and bus stop staff. Another $2.7m is for more shelters and benches across the city.

45 new buses are joining the fleet, which will become nearly a quarter hybrid coaches.

Weekday Frequency Improvements 

• 2-Michigan, 5-Van Dyke/Lafayette, 31-Mack: Improve daytime peak frequency to 20 minutes (up from 30 minutes) 
• 3-Grand River, 7-Seven Mile, 10-Greenfield : Improve midday base to every 15 minutes (up from 20 minutes) 
• 17-Eight Mile: Improve midday base service to every 20 minutes (up from 30 minutes) 
• 18-Fenkell: Improve daytime frequency to every 40 minutes on weekdays (up from 45-50 minutes) 

Weekend Frequency Improvements 

• 1-Vernor, 5-Van Dyke/Lafayette : 45 minute daytime frequency on Sundays (up from 60 minutes) 
• 3-Grand River, 6-Gratiot, 7-Seven Mile : Improve Saturday daytime service to every 20 minutes (up from 30 minutes) 
• 8-Warren: 30 minute daytime frequency on Saturdays and 45 minute daytime frequency on Sundays (both up 15 minutes each)

 29-Linwood: 50 minute daytime seven days/week (up from 60 minutes) 

 23-Hamilton/John R: 45 minute peak weekday service (up from 60 minutes) 

Saturday and Sunday span improvements  

17 routes will run from 7a to 9p. Previous hours had started later and ended earlier, be sure to check your schedules.

My pro tip: For now, I'm using the Transit app. I'm a regular bus rider, and having real-time tracking is quite helpful because although progress, there's still a long way to go.