Detroit Unveils Major DDOT Bus Stop Upgrade Campaign and Launches North Corktown Housing RFP Under $3 Billion Budget

Mayor Mary Sheffield and DDOT Launch Citywide Bus Stop Amenity Campaign

DETROIT, Michigan — Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to transit rider comfort and neighborhood dignity, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) officially unveiled an expansive public transit amenities campaign on September 28, 2026. The capital effort aims to install more than 200 brand-new bus shelters and 200 weather-resistant benches at bus stops across Detroit by 2027, with municipal crews confirming the project is already halfway complete.

The campaign prioritizes high-ridership stops in residential neighborhoods, ensuring that seniors, shift workers, and families have dignified, weather-protected places to wait as winter approaches.

Strategic Route Improvements and Modern Transit Fleet Investments

The amenity upgrades build upon fall service schedule enhancements implemented by DDOT across high-frequency arteries, most notably along the Route 1 Vernor corridor. The route revisions improve on-time reliability, extend late-night transit availability, and ensure synchronized transfers to regional SMART bus services.

Supported by a $30 million budget increase under Detroit's adopted $3 billion FY 2026–2027 municipal budget and the state-of-the-art $165 million Coolidge Terminal, DDOT continues to expand its clean diesel and electric bus fleet while raising driver recruitment and retention incentives.

North Corktown Housing RFP and $2.5 Million Small Buildings Program

In residential development, the city announced two major housing milestones on September 29, 2026. Detroit issued an official Request for Proposals (RFP) for homebuilders to construct at least 20 single-family infill homes across 16 city-owned parcels in historic North Corktown.

Simultaneously, the administration debuted the $2.5 million 2026 Small Buildings Program, offering subsidized financing to local contractors rehabilitating or building 2-to-7 unit apartment buildings. Coupled with City Council policies mandating background checks for developers seeking municipal tax abatements, Detroit is ensuring housing growth remains ethical, attainable, and neighborhood-centered.