Today’s episode gets into the need to increase Detroit’s transit funding, and what advocates at Transportation Riders United (TRU) say is the path toward a better transit system in the city. Our guest is Joel Batterman of TRU.

Key Takeaways:

• Discussing the DDOT Reimagined Plan: The city of Detroit released a plan in 2024 that would double the amount of bus service in the city, but it seems there isn't the funding for it.

• Frequent Transit: Advocates say that transit is considered “frequent” when a bus comes every 15 minutes, and that this is not always the case in Detroit’s current system.

• Impacts of Inadequate Transit: Hear how a lack of reliable public transportation effects residents and limits economic mobility

• The Role of Funding: Discuss how Detroit invests less in transit compared to other similar metro regions, and hear more about a campaign to double the city’s investment.

• What TRU says is needed: They'd like to see $150 million added to the current Detroit Department of Transportation budget.

Links:

• Transportation Riders United: detroittransit.org

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