Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced on April 6 that all children in Detroit will now be able to ride city buses for free. The announcement was made at a press conference held at Farwell Recreation Center, where students, district leaders, Board members, and city officials gathered to mark the occasion.
The new policy is expected to have an immediate impact on students and families across the city. By providing free public transportation access for students, Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) will no longer need to purchase bus passes for high school students. This change allows resources previously used for transportation to be reinvested into classrooms, programs, and student supports.
Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti highlighted the importance of access in education: “You know, early in my career, I taught in New York City. And one of the things that stood out to me right away was how students were able to attend schools all across the city—not just in their immediate neighborhood—because they had access to a strong, reliable transportation system.” Vitti added that reliable transportation enables students to choose schools that fit their interests and goals.
LaTrice McClendon, President of the DPSCD Board of Education said: “We are grateful to Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield for her leadership and partnership in expanding access to transportation for our students. This is what it looks like when a city comes together to support young people. By removing barriers like transportation, we are opening doors—ensuring every student has the opportunity to fully engage in their education and pursue their future with confidence.”
Students also spoke about how this change affects them directly. Mac Sconi, Senior at Pershing High School, and Katelyn Tyner, Freshman at Pershing High School said: “Now we can focus on getting to school on time, staying involved after school, and not stressing about how we’re getting home. It just makes things easier so we can focus on our future.”
The initiative aims not only at improving daily attendance but also making sure every student can reach a school that matches their interests or prepares them for future opportunities. As part of ongoing efforts around student engagement and choice within DPSCD schools, an event called Level Up Expo will take place Saturday April 11 at East English Village Preparatory Academy where all high schools will be represented.
