DDOT bus drivers have to sit down on the job.

That’s not the healthiest position to hold for all those hours driving Detroiters around the city.  To help those drivers deal with the issue, DDOT has teamed up with the Detroit Medical Center for its 61 Day Challenge, a health education campaign focusing on fitness, nutrition, education and commitment to living a healthier life.

The campaign, which kicks off October 27 and runs until December 31, will track the fitness journey of several DDOT drivers over the next 61 days.

The idea is to walk at a moderate pace for at least 30 minutes several times a week, eat more fruit and vegetables and less sugar, and abstain from soda pop, fried foods and junk foods. You can take the pledge, too, by clicking here.

The department is also looking at implementing programs such as “Fitness Fridays”that will offer drivers an opportunity to participate in free fitness classes or workshops at least once per week.

“We care about the health of our drivers and we want to play a larger role in keeping them healthy,” says DDOT Director Dan Dirks. “They are the backbone of our system and instrumental to everything we do.”

To further their healthier campaign, in October DDOT drivers are wearing bright pink hats in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The hats are available to the public for purchase for $10 at the main DDOT office located at 1301 E. Warren. It’s cash only. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. There is a limited supply.

DDOT has hired more than 100 bus drivers in 2017 and has plans to hire more. The starting wage for bus drivers is currently $12.07 – $17.23 hourly, including benefits. To be eligible applicants must have the following qualifications:

• Completion of high school or G.E.D.
• Must be able to obtain a Michigan Commercial Driver’s License with Group A or B designation and Passenger and Air Brake endorsements
• Preferably, two years of experience operating automotive vehicles, as demonstrated by a State Driving Record

If you’re interested, you can apply for the Transportation Equipment Operator (Bus Driver) positions by clicking here.

To find out more about DMC’s 61-day challenge, please click here.

For all other questions contact DDOT Marketing Manager, Nicole Simmons, at Simmonsn@detroitmi.gov.

  American Cancer Society, City of Detroit, DDOT, Detroit Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Detroit health initiative, DMC 61-Day Challenge