The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) kicked off the month with 52 new bus drivers − its largest single class yet following a wage boost last fall.
The men and women, clad in light blue and black uniforms emblazoned with DDOT patches, went through several weeks of training on the road and in the classroom before their graduation ceremony on Thursday, April 2, at the Northwest Activities Center. That morning, the room was energized and filled with the newly minted drivers, their loved ones and city transit officials. Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield made a brief appearance, too, congratulating the group for overcoming challenges, such as homelessness, to get to where they are. She addressed the grads as her administration makes the case for a 14% budget increase − including the competitive wage boosts − for the 2027 fiscal year.
It was a big day for graduate Shantinique Grant. The 32-year-old Detroiter and mom of two had been catching the bus for a while. Now, she’ll drive one…