Feds End Financial Restrictions on Detroit's Bus System

The Federal Transit Authority is calling the Detroit Department of Transportation in from the cold.

1 minute read

January 10, 2017, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


GMC Fishbowl

Danielle Scott / Flickr

Matt Helms reports: "Detroit’s bus system is making significant improvements, enough that the U.S. government is lifting financial restrictions on how the agency can access federal funding."

The Federal Transit Administration imposed restrictions on federal funding for the beleaguered Detroit Department of Transportation in 2013, reaffirming the decision again in 2015. Since then, however, "Detroit has made huge strides, and the restrictions were lifted last month," reports Helms.

Improvements in the Detroit DOT's bus system performance include better on-time bus departures (98 percent in November, up from 62 percent in January 2014). The improvement efforts were greatly assisted by the purchase of 80 new buses in 2015. "The new buses and improved operations have allowed Detroit to expand routes and increase frequency of buses, in addition to adding 24-hour service along some of its busiest routes: Woodward, Gratiot and Grand River," adds Helms.  

Monday, January 9, 2017 in Detroit Free Press

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

7 hours ago - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

June 15 - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

June 15 - The Washington Post