New DDOT CEO introduced along with the first of 46 new buses

DETROIT (WXYZ) - It seems many DDOT riders have horror stories to tell.

“I've experienced them breaking down, tires falling off to where the bus just doesn't work at all,”  says Gerald Mannings,

He says he’s just about seen it all and as a result he makes it his business to plan around DDOT’s challenges. Each day he's out there two hours ahead of time.

"That's an inconvenience, but I'd rather be inconvenienced at that time than to inconvenience my job."

The fleet of DDOT buses is certainly starting to show its wear. Buses breaking down and being taken out of service seem to happen more and more frequently. It amounts to a major inconvenience for riders. But Wednesday, Detroit mayor Dave Bing unveiled his plan to get the transit system moving in the right direction.

“The first new arrival is Ron Freeland who I’m proud to announce has accepted our invitation to become the new CEO of the Department of Transportation,” said Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. Scroll down to see a YouTube video introduction.

Ronald Freeland has an extensive background in transportation having served as a senior executive in both Maryland and Virginia he says making the system more efficient and improving the riding experience are his main concerns.

“We want to make sure that we improve the overall quality of the department of transportation and particularly the buses that we put out there on the street for our customers to use every day,” said Ronald Freeland.

Only time will tell if he and the 46 new diesel powered, American made buses, will get the transit system on the right track. Unfortunately time is something many riders say they have the least of.