Metro Detroit’s public transportation system is anemic when taken as a whole, but the city proper is making improvements. Investment in transportation in Detroit is a priority as the Motor City is 8th in the nation for households without a car at 26%, just two percentage points behind Chicago.
According to a release from the city of Detroit, the Detroit Department of Transportation is taking delivery of 20 New Flyer XD40 buses, similar to many of the coaches currently in service.
“This is another important step forward for DDOT and it strives to continually provide better service to its customers and younger, more reliable buses on the road,” Dirks said. “Our plan is to purchase at least 20 new buses each year for the next five years to get the age of our fleet in line with other major transit systems.”
At peak times, 240 buses are on the road out of the 300 in the fleet. This is a significant change from just a few years ago when there were many routes that missed buses because of a lack of equipment.
The average age of vehicles in the DDOT fleet will come down to about 8 years, down from 12 years in 2014. The goal would be, according to DDOT Director Dan Dirks, to get the average age down to 6 years.
The buses include:
- Destination signs on the rear of the bus
- Large rear windows and skylight roof hatches to allow more natural light on the interior
- An additional security camera on the exterior of the bus
You Could Be A Bus Driver
DDOT is hiring with a starting wage for bus drivers ranging from $12.69 – $18.29 hourly, including benefits.
To be eligible for a bus driver position with DDOT, applicants must have the following qualifications:
- Completion of high school or G.E.D.
- Must be able to obtain a Michigan Commercial Driver’s License with Group A or B designation and Passenger and Air Brake endorsements
- Preferably, two years of experience operating automotive vehicles, as demonstrated by a State Driving Record
If this is something you’re interested in, you can apply here: http://www.detroitmi.gov/