Detroit Bus Drivers See Significant Pay Raises, Aiming to Boost Recruitment and Retention
Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus drivers are benefiting from a newly ratified contract that includes a substantial $6 hourly wage increase, aiming to address long-standing recruitment and retention challenges. The agreement, approved by 98% of voting members of the Amalgamated Transit Unit Local 26, will impact over 500 bus operators.
Wage Increases and Alignment with Regional Standards
The new contract raises the starting pay for DDOT drivers from $19.56 to $25.38 per hour. Maximum hourly pay will increase from $26.18 to $32.18. These increases are designed to bring DDOT driver compensation in line with other regional transit agencies, such as SMART, Lansing, and Ann Arbor. Currently, SMART drivers start at $25.87, Lansing at $26.44, and Ann Arbor at $28.09. Top hourly pay at SMART is $32.34, Lansing $33.05, and Ann Arbor $33.05 [BridgeDetroit].
Addressing Historical Wage Disparities
Mayor Mike Duggan highlighted the significant progress made in driver compensation over the past decade, noting that drivers previously earned less than $15 per hour. [BridgeDetroit] He emphasized that the new contract aims to make DDOT a more competitive employer, reducing the outflow of drivers to agencies like SMART that traditionally offered higher pay. [DetroitMI.gov]
Performance Incentives and Bonuses
In addition to the hourly wage increases, the contract includes performance incentives for attendance and safety. Drivers have the opportunity to earn more than their regional counterparts through these incentives. Quarterly bonuses based on attendance, a feature of the previous contract, will continue, and new quarterly bonuses based on driver safety records have been added. [BridgeDetroit]
City Council Approval and Implementation
The contract requires final approval from the Detroit City Council before taking effect. [BridgeDetroit] The city has been focused on improving its transportation services, driver retention, and addressing safety concerns for both riders and drivers. [BridgeDetroit]
Impact on DDOT and Detroit
The wage increases are expected to enhance transit reliability by attracting and retaining qualified bus drivers. [YouTube] This is particularly important as Mayor Duggan prepares to depart office at the finish of the year and pursue a 2026 campaign for governor. [BridgeDetroit]
Related reading