“DDOT Now,” Detroit paratransit’s same-day service, to launch Monday, June 16

• New service will allow residents with disabilities to request paratransit service the same day they need transportation
• DDOT Now will provide as needed service for when unexpected transit needs arise
• Schedule in advance option still will be available 
   

DDOT Now, the Detroit Department of Transportation’s new same-day paratransit service, is ready to launch Monday, June 16. Currently, residents with disabilities in need of paratransit services need to schedule their ride at least a day in advance.  

“Like anyone, paratransit users can have unexpected transportation needs arise and we want them to know DDOT will be there for them when they need us, even on short notice,” said Executive Director of Transit, Robert Cramer.

DDOT Now will be available to all current and future DDOT paratransit riders between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Paratransit rider applications can be found here: (detroitmi.gov/document/paratransit-application-july-2024)  

Trips via DDOT Now can be booked as quickly as one hour in advance. Riders can call 313-570-6845 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The service area and fare of $2.50 is the same as those for DDOT’s standard paratransit service. DDOT Now trips and availability are limited. DDOT Now is funded by a mix of federal and local dollars.

“We at DDOT are committed to providing quality transportation to our paratransit riders, and DDOT Now is another way for us to do so,” says DeMarcus Garrett, Interim Executive Director of DDOT’s Paratransit. “The same-day service model will give our paratransit riders the freedom, independence and flexibility to get to wherever they need to go as quickly as one hour from scheduling their trip.”

Latest improvement to DDOT paratransit

DDOT’s paratransit service has seen major improvements and enhancements over the past few years. Dispatch, eligibility screening, scheduling, call center, and other services were brought in-house in 2023, and several dozen paratransit employees were hired. New contracts were issued for transportation services later that year, with the focus on providing more reliable service. On-time performance has increased to at least 98% for each provider, and a performance dashboard is now available for viewing via the paratransit website.