DETROIT – Residents who rely on public transportation in the city of Detroit have been speaking about their experiences.
Workers with the Detroit Department of Transportation, DDOT, said they have been listening and improving the level of service it is providing to the riding public.
DDOT has been proactively working to address some challenges, including making hiring a priority.
Currently, the department has about 80 operators in training classes to become future bus drivers or Transportation Equipment Operators.
The candidates learn the basics of the job in the classroom and engage in CDL preparations for equipment and picking up passengers.
”Every single day, I’m greeting people with a smile,” said recently hired driver John Walters. “I talk to them, say hi, ask them how their day is.”
Walters is a retired police officer who recently relocated with his family from the San Francisco Bay Area to Metro Detroit. He’s finding a new career as a bus driver with DDOT.
He’s among a growing number of people who are finding opportunities with DDOT.
“I came here looking for a career that would hire relatively quickly,” Walters said. “One that would offer me a pension.”
The department recognizes a shortage of bus operators. Administrators say the COVID pandemic contributed to the shortage.
Now, DDOT and the city are engaging in a mass hiring effort to bring in operators to transport passengers.
”We have some more coaches that’s coming,” said Andre George, District Superintendent of Training. “Some electric coaches. A newer fleet.”
Workers said the Detroit Department of Transportation has been engaging in monthly meetings with the public.
The staff said it’s ensuring the lines of communication with passengers are open and transparent.
”I’m here to serve them," said George. “I’m a public servant. And I want to make sure that they’re looked after.”
The Detroit Department of Transportation will hold another training class beginning in November 2024.
Transportation Equipment Operators say they know customer service is key.
“I’m here to serve them,” Walters said. “I’m a public servant, and I want to make sure that they’re looked after.”