DETROIT — Transit officials in Detroit announced retraining for bus drivers following an unusual weekend incident in which two horses boarded a city bus.
The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) issued an updated statement regarding the Saturday event after reviewing onboard camera footage and viral social media videos. The footage, captured along Seven Mile Road, shows two people and two horses approaching the vehicle before the bus driver lowers the wheelchair ramp, allowing the animals to walk on.
While transit policies strictly limit animals on board to ADA-compliant service animals that remain on the floor or a passenger's lap, officials noted that the actions appeared intended to draw awareness to a positive cause. However, the department emphasized that the occurrence raised safety concerns for both passengers and the animals, noting the episode violated current city policy.
DDOT views the situation as an opportunity to reinforce guidelines with operators through driver retraining, while also using the moment to educate the public on transit safety and connect local entrepreneurs with approved programs to promote their organizations.
