G. Michael Staley, the current executive paratransit manager for the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT), will be taking over as interim executive director of transit for DDOT following the resignation of current executive director of transit Mikel Oglesby.
When Oglesby, a Miami resident, accepted the position of executive director of transit in May of 2020, just two months into a global pandemic, he indicated that he saw his role as a three-year commitment.
“Mikel took over DDOT in early 2020 and was immediately faced with the COVID-19 crisis,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “He worked very hard to lead DDOT through a challenging period, and we deeply appreciate his contributions. Everyone at the city wishes him all the best in his next chapter.”
Staley was hired in June of 2022 to help the city restructure its troubled paratransit system, which was plagued by unreliable service and customer complaints. As part of Staley’s new model, the paratransit scheduling and customer service duties were brought in-house, which has resulted in a significant reduction in customer complaints.
During the first seven months of service (Jan. 1, 2023 - July 31, 2023) on time performance has improved to 97 percent and the number of performed trips resulting in a customer complaint is 0.10 percent. For the first time, monthly paratransit performance metrics are being posted on a public dashboard.
“Michael has done a terrific job fixing what was in many ways a broken paratransit system and making it work for the residents it serves,” said Mayor Duggan. “He has demonstrated outstanding management ability in a short period of time and earned the confidence of paratransit advocates. I am fully confident he will be able to deliver measurable improvements to DDOT’s overall service as well.”
Prior to his service at DDOT, Staley had 29 years of experience in the paratransit industry, much of it at the executive level. Staley said he appreciates the mayor’s confidence and will work closely with drivers, their union and transit advocates to work toward broader reforms.
“The citizens of Detroit expect and deserve public transportation services that are safe, reliable, customer-oriented and cost effective,” Staley said. “Safe service means freedom from risk-for drivers, passengers, and the general public. Reliable service is directly related to the number of drivers the Detroit Department of Transportation can place behind the wheel every day. Safer service and more reliable service will be the two top priorities of DDOT in the near-term.”
Duggan said he will evaluate Staley’s progress after six months to determine whether to have him stay on as permanent director.
