Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield confirmed at an August 14 news conference that the Ride to Rise program will remain in place for the 2026‑27 school year. The initiative, which began as a pilot in April, provides free Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus rides for students ages five to eighteen attending public, private or charter schools.
Funding and Purpose
The program is financed with $1 million in state funds and is intended to reduce absenteeism while connecting students to after‑school activities, tutoring, libraries, recreation centers, and potential job opportunities throughout the city. Sheffield emphasized that the service is not limited to commuting to school but also supports broader educational and employment goals.
Ridership Growth
During the first two months of operation, student ridership doubled compared with the end of the 2025‑26 school year, indicating strong demand for reliable transportation in a city where more than one‑third of residents lack dependable transit options.
Safety Enhancements
In response to concerns from families and school leaders about safety on buses and at stops, the city has partnered with the Detroit Police Department’s transit unit. Fifty transit ambassadors—volunteer adults who ride the buses during peak school hours—have been deployed. On any given school day, 20 to 25 ambassadors will be present on key routes, providing a visible, welcoming presence at transit centers and near school bus stops.
Additional Ride‑Share Pilot
The city also announced a separate ride‑share pilot targeting roughly 150 high‑school students at Pershing, Denby, Osborn and East English Village Preparatory Academy at Finney. Running from August 24 through mid‑October, the pilot is funded with $500,000 from remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and aims to serve students who cannot access regular public transit.
How Students Access the Service
Students may board any DDOT city bus while service is operating by presenting a valid school‑issued identification card. Additional information about routes and eligibility is available through the city’s Ride to Rise webpage.
Community Impact
Local parents, educators, and community leaders have praised the program for its potential to improve attendance and broaden opportunities for Detroit’s youth. The addition of transit ambassadors is expected to address safety concerns and foster a more supportive environment for students traveling to and from school.
For further details, visit the official Ride to Rise site at bit.ly/DetroitRidetoRise.
Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.
