Detroit witnessed a heartfelt moment as Mayor Mike Duggan announced the naming of the city’s new transit center in honor of Jason Hargrove, a Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus driver who tragically passed away from COVID-19 in 2020. This tribute comes as a recognition of Hargrove’s dedication and the collective bravery of city workers during the pandemic’s early and uncertain days.
Mayor Duggan expressed his sentiment, stating, “As this terminal is being built, I thought to myself that we need to do something to remember Jason Hargrove, to remember the courage of all the men and women in those very dangerous and deadly days,” acknowledging the sacrifices made by police, firefighters, and transit workers.
Scheduled to open in May, the transit center, located at the former Dairy Cattle Barn at the State Fairgrounds, is set to become a key hub for city transportation. Jason Hargrove, who was 50 at the time of his death, had shared his concerns about public health and safety in a widely circulated Facebook video dated March 21, 2020. In it, he recounted an incident with a maskless passenger who coughed on him, urging the public to show more respect and consideration towards bus drivers, stating, “For us to get through this and get over this, y’all need to take this seriously. There’s folks dying out here because of this sh-t.”
“When Jason died, it broke all our hearts. He was doing everything right, showing up to work at the onset of a pandemic to make people could get where they needed. He was supporting his family. And he was trying to keep himself and others safe,” said Mayor Duggan. “Jason was a hero to all of us, and for the next 100 years, he will be remembered by everyone who uses this beautiful new transit center.”
Hargrove’s untimely death, leaving behind his wife, Desha Hargrove, and six children, occurred just days after his public plea. His passing coincided with the early stages of the pandemic in Michigan, which recorded its first COVID cases and deaths in March 2020. The global and national impact of the pandemic has been devastating, with millions of lives lost.
At the announcement event, Desha Hargrove expressed profound gratitude towards Mayor Duggan, City Council members, and other city employees. “My heart is overjoyed,” she said. “I’m grateful.” This new transit center, bearing Jason Hargrove’s name, stands as a significant memorial, joining Rosa Parks as one of the few individuals honored in such a manner in Detroit.
“What a profound honor it is to dedicate this terminal in memory of my beloved husband, Jason Hargrove,” said Desha Hargrove. “With unwavering courage and boundless compassion, he tirelessly drove each passenger through the challenges of our time. This tribute not only celebrates Jason’s remarkable commitment, but also pays homage to the countless individuals who paved the way before us, echoing the resilient spirit of Rosa Parks. Just as she stood (sat) firm in the face of adversity, Jason’s dedication shines as a beacon of strength amidst unprecedented circumstances.”
The Jason Hargrove Transit Center is part of a broader $31 million redevelopment initiative, which aims to transform a major portion of the site, including the adaptive reuse of the historic dairy cattle barn into a modern indoor transit hub. This redevelopment is expected to enhance community engagement and provide a state-of-the-art facility for transit users.
G. Michael Staley, Interim Executive Director of Transit, along with other city officials, paid tribute to Hargrove’s dedication and service. The Jason Hargrove Transit Center will not only serve as a crucial transportation hub but also as a lasting memorial to the many city workers who faced the pandemic with courage and determination.
“May this terminal serve as a lasting testament to the unsung heroes who propel our communities forward, carrying forward the legacy of those who came before us and those that will come after us,” Desha added.
About Post Author
