People Mover GM Robert Cramer Tapped for Detroit DOT

The City of Detroit has hired Robert Cramer, general manager of People Mover, as the new executive director of the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). Mayor Mike Duggan announced Cramer's appointment one week after the department's interim director, Michael Staley, announced his departure. Staley was expected to leave at the end of the year but will stay on until Cramer begins his new role on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Cramer will step down from his position with People Mover, which he managed for over two years. He plans to remain involved with the company as a Detroit Transportation Corporation Board member, which oversees People Mover. Cramer will earn approximately $225,000 in his role with the DDOT. 

“DDOT's dedicated staff provide essential service for Detroiters every day, connecting neighborhoods and opportunity,” Cramer said in a news release issued to the Detroit Free Press. “I'm honored to lead the team to continue the progress made and be part of a first-class transit system.” 

At People Mover, Cramer directed several significant projects, including establishing a free fare program that has led to an 80% increase in annual ridership and completing a $10 million upgrade for People Mover's infrastructure.

In his role with the DDOT, Cramer aims to return the department to pre-pandemic service levels and expand transportation services. Over the next two years, Detroit is expected to receive 84 new buses, accounting for approximately 30% of the city's existing bus fleet. Although the new buses will operate as hybrid vehicles, the DDOT will purchase four electric buses in 2025 and four hydrogen fuel cell buses the following year.