Detroit’s Bus Operators Will Now Make $25 Per Hour Under New City Contract

November 7, 2025

Detroit's bus drivers will receive a $6 per hour wage increase under a newly ratified contract between the city and Transit Union Local 26, approved by 98% of voting members. The agreement raises starting wages from $19. 56 to $25.

Who is affected

More than 500 DDOT bus operators represented by ATU Local 26
Detroit residents who depend on DDOT bus service daily
The City of Detroit and Detroit Department of Transportation
Mayor Mike Duggan and city officials responsible for transit operations
Detroit City Council members who must approve the contract
Neighboring transit agencies (SMART, Lansing, Ann Arbor) competing for drivers

What action is being taken

The wage increase contract has been ratified by 98% of voting union members
The contract is being submitted to Detroit City Council in November
Performance incentive programs are continuing and expanding under the new agreement
The city is implementing quarterly bonuses for attendance and safety records
Annual cost-of-living increases are being provided every July 1

Why it matters

This contract represents the largest wage increase for Detroit bus drivers in over a decade and addresses a critical staffing crisis that has undermined public transportation reliability. For years, DDOT has lost drivers to higher-paying neighboring systems like SMART, leading to driver shortages, reduced service frequency, missed routes, and extended wait times for thousands of Detroit residents who rely on public transit. The wage increase makes Detroit competitive in the regional labor market for transit operators, potentially stabilizing the workforce and improving service quality. Beyond compensation, the agreement recognizes the essential role bus drivers play in connecting residents to employment, services, and community resources, while signaling the city's commitment to investing in public infrastructure and the workers who sustain it.

What's next

The contract will be submitted to Detroit City Council in November for approval
Upon City Council approval, the wage increase will take effect immediately
The city expects to offset costs through new revenue from Governor Whitmer's transportation funding bill
Officials anticipate reduced training costs as improved retention limits turnover

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle