ADA Fixed Route Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessibility

DDOT fixed route buses are accessible to people using mobility aide devices. DDOT fixed route service will transport any mobility device that fits on the bus without compromising safety, damaging the bus or obstructing the aisle in a way that would prevent other passengers from safely walking past the device. Mobility aids must not block the aisle or interfere with the safety of other passengers. Wheelchair wheels must be locked before the bus is in motion.  Specific questions can be answered by calling the DDOT Customer Service at 313-933-1300.


Announcing of Major Stops

The ADA requires bus operators, at a minimum, to announce stops at all major intersections, transfer points and major destination points and to announce any stop requested by a passenger with a disability. If you need help, please tell the operator and explain what assistance is needed.  


Kneelers and Ramps

All DDOT buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp, which the driver will deploy upon request.  You do not need to show proof of a disability to have the bus lowered.  If you are still unable to access the bus system, you may be eligible for ADA complementary paratransit.  

 
Service Animals

In compliance with the FTA ADA Circular 4710.1, Section 2.6, DDOT will permit service animals to accompany individuals with disabilities on buses and in facilities. A service animal means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.
The bus operator may ask if the animal is a service animal and what tasks the animal has been trained to perform.

Service animals must be under control by the person with disabilities at all times, and must not occupy a seat and must either sit on the floor, or on the person’s lap. If the animal is not under the control of the owner or if the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, the operator may require the animal to leave the bus. Animals that serve as support or comfort animals are not considered service animals and are not permitted on the bus.


Yellow Mitts

DDOT provides yellow mitts to help fixed-route passengers easily notify bus operators they wish to board. The driver must stop, identify the route and allow the person to board anywhere along the route.  Yellow mitts are available to persons with disabilities, or seniors who might wish to use them.  They can be obtained by contacting DDOT’s ADA Coordinator at: 313-316-2793 TTY: 711 or [email protected].

 
Accessible Schedules

All bus schedules are available in accessible formats (braille) for persons with visual impairments. Schedules are also available in Spanish and Arabic.  Call us at 313-933-1300 or [email protected].


Reduce Fare

Reduced rates are available for persons with disabilities, seniors, and Medicare cardholders. For more information, click here or call Special Fares at 313-578-8268.

 

ADA Complementary Paratransit

Complementary Paratransit is provided to people who are not able to ride the fixed-route transit system because of a disability.  For more information, click here or call DDOT Special Fares at (313)-833-8268.  


DDOT ADA Complaint Procedure

Anyone who believes that the City of Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) discriminated against them and denied transportation due to a disability can file a complaint.  Click here to download and complete an ADA Complaint Form. 

Complaints may be submitted to the DDOT ADA Coordinator as follows:

         ATTN: ADA Coordinator, Compliance Division
         Detroit Department of Transportation
         100 Mack Ave.
         Detroit, MI 48201

DDOT investigates all ADA complaints received within 180 days of the alleged incident. You may contact DDOT at (313) 933-1300 to have a copy sent to you, which you can return to the above address.

Upon receipt of the complaint, DDOT will review the information and inform the complainant within 3 days that his or her complaint has been received. DDOT will have up to 30 calendar days to investigate the alleged incident. It is the complainant responsibility to submit, timely information about the alleged incident to DDOT.  If the complainant does not submit the information, DDOT may close the case or if the complainant does not wish to pursue their case, DDOT can administratively close the case.

As soon as the complaint has been reviewed, the investigator will issue one of two letters to the complainant: 1) a closure letter or 2) a letter of finding (LOF). A closure letter provides brief information about the allegation and states that there was no finding of an ADA violation. An LOF provides brief information about the allegations and the interviews regarding the alleged incident. This letter explains what actions were taken. If the complainant wishes to appeal DDOT’s finding, they will have 10 business days to do so.

Complaints can also be filed directly to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), click here or mail:

FTA Office of Civil Rights
ATTN: Complaints
East Building, 5th Floor-TCR
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington DC 20590

Please include your contact information.

Reasonable Modification Policy

DDOT will provide reasonable modification of policy and practice upon request to ensure that our transportation services are accessible to people with disabilities.

Requests for reasonable accommodations may be made in advance via the following ways:

Detroit Department of Transportation

ATTN: ADA Coordinator, Compliance Division

100 Mack Ave. 

Detroit, MI 48201