• DDOT installing 21 platforms along E. Jefferson between Chene and Alter
• Raised platforms extend from curb across bike lane and parking lane to provide easier and faster boardings for passengers, reduce bus movements in and out of travel lanes
• New configuration will enhance visual appearance and add improved customer amenities to high-use bus stops 
   

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is currently installing 21 new elevated bus boarding platforms along East Jefferson Avenue as part of a pilot initiative aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and the overall rider experience.  

The newly installed platforms at high volume bus stops will allow passengers to board and de-board more quickly and safely, improving both travel times and safety for riders. The raised platforms extend seamlessly from the curb/sidewalk across the bike and parking lanes, meaning buses will stay in the right-hand travel lane to pick up their riders, rather than having to pull in across an active parking and bike lane and then back into the flow of traffic. The bike lane portion of the platform will have gradual ramps on each side to allow bike riders to easily continue through away from traffic.  

“Installing these new platforms will help us provide a faster and smoother boarding experience for passengers at these key stops, which will reduce bus travel times and supports our goal of providing 10-minute bus frequency on E. Jefferson,” said Executive Director of Transit, Robert Cramer. “The platforms also will bring a slightly different experience for motorists along the E. Jefferson corridor, so we are asking them to be mindful that buses at these stops will pick up their passengers from the far-right travel lane.”

A total of 16 platforms is being installed in this phase, with an additional 5 platforms to follow after completion of an ongoing water main project in the area. Crews currently are installing the platforms along E. Jefferson starting at Chene and heading eastbound towards Alter, then will come back westbound to install platforms on the westbound side heading toward downtown.  

Platform installation locations along both sides of East Jefferson Avenue are:

• Chene
• Mt. Elliott
• Baldwin
• Van Dyke
• Hibbard
• McClellan/Parkview
• St. Jean
• Conner
• Gray/Dickerson
• Chalmers
• Alter 

Work is expected to be completed by the end of September. Later this year, DDOT will start installing new shelters at each of the platform locations.  

This project is part of a broader effort to improve corridor efficiency and rider amenities, particularly along the 9-Jefferson route — a straight, city-maintained road ideal for piloting such improvements. The total cost of the project is approximately $3.8 million and includes work by JB Contractors, a Hispanic-owned business based in Southwest Detroit.

The modular platforms, made from recycled PVC plastic by manufacturer ZICLA, are designed for flexibility, durability, and easy maintenance. They are forgiving to bus tires and are cost-effective to replace or modify as ridership demands evolve.

This work supports DDOT Reimagined, the agency’s long-term vision for a better public transit system, focused on comfort, safety, accessibility, and speed. Enhancements like these platforms are prioritized based on ridership, sidewalk space, and coordination with other city improvement efforts.

DDOT’s goal is for 75% of passenger boardings to occur at sheltered stops as funding permits, with continued improvements being rolled out citywide. Future phases of the project will include the installation of digital "next bus" departure screens at these stops.

For more information about DDOT projects and service updates, visit detroitmi.gov/ddot.