Registered to Neighborhoods · 4 min read
Service notes
- DDOT says it is the largest public transit provider in Michigan, serving Detroit, nearby suburbs and cities including Highland Park and Hamtramck.
- Reduced fares cover seniors 65 and older, people with disabilities, Medicare cardholders and students with school ID.
- DDOT’s mobile ticketing for the Dart regional pass now runs on the Token Transit app.
Many Detroiters drive, and the Census puts the average commute at 24.8 minutes, close to the state average. But a car is a major expense, and plenty of Detroiters get around by bus. The city’s own transit agency, the Detroit Department of Transportation, known as DDOT, runs the buses. If you are choosing where to live, a look at the bus network is worth a few minutes before you sign a lease.
What DDOT covers
DDOT describes itself as the largest public transit provider in Michigan. It serves the city of Detroit, surrounding suburbs and neighboring cities, including Highland Park and Hamtramck. Its fixed-route buses are accessible to riders using mobility aids, and DDOT also runs paratransit service for riders who need it, with performance data published on its site.
Paying your fare
Every passenger is required to pay the full fare, DDOT says, apart from a short list of exceptions for certain uniformed public safety officers and transit and postal workers. There are several ways to pay:
- On your phone. DDOT has moved mobile ticketing for the Dart regional pass from the Passport app to Token Transit. Download Token Transit from the App Store or Google Play, create an account and add a payment method.
- Passes from vendors. The city publishes a map of where to buy transit passes.
- At the cashier’s window. DDOT’s Cashier’s Office is at the Rosa Parks Transit Center, open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
DDOT publishes current fare prices on its fares page. For help choosing a fare product, call 3-1-1 or (313) 933-1300.
Token Transit help
DDOT points riders who need help with the app to Token Transit’s FAQ at support.tokentransit.com, the Help section in the app’s settings, and a how-to video. Token Transit also offers text and phone support.
Reduced fares
DDOT’s reduced fare is available to seniors 65 and older, people with disabilities, Medicare cardholders and students with proper school ID. Seniors, riders with disabilities and Medicare cardholders apply for a Reduced Fare ID card:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Get the form | Download the Reduced Fare Card Application from the DDOT fares page; it is available in English, Arabic and Spanish |
| 2. Submit it | Mail it or drop it off at the Rosa Parks Transit Center, 360 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 |
| 3. Photo | Pictures for the card are taken at the Rosa Parks Transit Center, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday |
The Reduced Fares program office keeps the same weekday hours, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Transit centers
Two transit centers anchor the network. The Rosa Parks Transit Center at 360 Michigan Avenue downtown houses the cashier’s office and the reduced fare program. The Jason Hargrove Transit Center, named after local hero Jason Hargrove, is the other hub DDOT lists for bulk pass orders. DDOT has also opened a new $160 million Coolidge Terminal, dedicated by Mayor Mary Sheffield, as part of its investment in the system.
Each transit center has a Detroit Police Department transit unit: (313) 596-1568 at Rosa Parks and (313) 833-9706 at Jason Hargrove.
Accessibility and paratransit
DDOT’s fixed-route buses are accessible to riders using mobility aid devices, and the department publishes information on its ADA fixed-route accessibility. Riders who cannot use fixed-route buses can look into DDOT’s paratransit service, for which the department posts both service information and performance tracking.
Service changes and detours
Routes and detours change, sometimes for street closures downtown. DDOT posts service alerts on its pages and holds public meetings before major service changes. You can subscribe to the City of Detroit newsletter and opt in to DDOT announcements to hear about changes before they reach your stop.
Reporting a problem
The city’s Improve Detroit app now includes a Bus Shelter category. You can report broken glass, a missing bench or other problems with a photo, a picture from your library or no photo at all.
Tip: When you look at an apartment, find the nearest bus stop and check the route schedule for the hours you will actually travel, such as an early shift or a late return. How often buses run at those hours matters as much as whether a route exists.
Transit and your budget
Choosing a home near a well-served route can save the cost of a second car. Weigh that against rent and other costs; Choosing a Detroit Neighborhood: The Free City Maps to Check Before You Rent or Buy lists the city’s map tools for comparing addresses, and Detroit’s City Income Tax: 2.4 Percent for Residents, 1.2 Percent for Commuters covers the city tax every resident pays.
Winter weather affects buses and drivers alike. For what Detroit winters bring, see Detroit Weather for Newcomers: 45 Inches of Snow, Cold Nights and Basement Backups.