In a tender nod to a fallen public servant, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has announced that the city's new transit center will bear the name of Jason Hargrove, a bus driver who succumbed to COVID-19 after a passenger coughed on him at the onset of the pandemic. The dedication of the Jason Hargrove Transit Center, located at the former Michigan State Fairground, is slated for May. Hargrove became a renowned figure after his video pleading for the public's consideration toward bus drivers went viral in March 2020.
According to The Detroit News, Mayor Duggan expressed his sentiments at a Friday press conference, saying, "When Jason died, it broke all our hearts." Hargrove's premature death, despite doing everything right to ensure his protection and the safety of others, has resonated deeply within the community. The mayor further emphasized Hargrove's heroism and assured that he would "be remembered by everyone who uses this beautiful new transit center."
The new Jason Hargrove Transit Center emerges as the centerpiece of a $31 million redevelopment project, incorporating the adaptive reuse of historical structures such as the former dairy cattle barn. The revamped space promises to host community events, food trucks, and concerts, contributing to Detroit's urban revival. The project benefits from a substantial $7 million contribution by Hillwood Investment Properties and the Sterling Group towards the center's construction, as mentioned on The Detroit News.
In an emotional statement obtained by detroitmi.gov, Desha Hargrove honored her late husband's commitment, saying, "With unwavering courage and boundless compassion, he tirelessly drove each passenger through the challenges of our time." Desha and three of her children will soon to return to Detroit, with Desha having accepted a position in the city's building safety department.
The dedication ceremony welcomed key figures including DDOT Director G. Michael Staley and members of the City Council. In a loving tribute, Staley recognized Hargrove's lasting impact on the community and his esteemed place within the DDOT family. "His legacy will be enshrined at the DDOT Transit Center that bears his name," Staley conveyed during the ceremony.
The new facility, expected to commence operations in early May, will accommodate a variety of transportation modes, including Detroit Department of Transportation and SMART riders, in addition to ride-share customers and those using alternative transport forms like MoGo bikes and scooters. It will feature indoor bus service, retail spaces, and a community hub, reinforcing its role as a modern and inclusive transit center for Detroit's citizens.
