Here’s How a Detroit Driver Welcomes Two Horses Aboard the Bus
A brief bus visit
Jordan Williams and a friend were riding near 7 Mile Road when they stopped by a Detroit Department of Transportation bus stop. A bus pulled up, and its driver asked whether they wanted to board.
Video from the bus captures the driver saying, “If they can get in here, it is what it is.” The driver lowered a ramp, and the two horses walked aboard, went along the aisle and left through a rear side exit. The bus did not move during their visit.
Raven’s first city outing
One horse was Raven, a 12-year-old and one of Williams’ newest horses. It was Raven’s first time in the big city and his first bus visit, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Williams uses 12 horses in Urban City Cowboys, a Western rodeo school outside Detroit that also provides equestrian therapy to children with disabilities. He told WXYZ 7 that his horses had previously been on Jefferson, Chalmers and Connors, as well as 7 Mile.
DDOT responds to video
In a November 10 statement to WXYZ, DDOT said it was taking steps to address the incident. The agency said the actions did not align with its policy and could create an unsafe or uncomfortable ride for passengers.
The city said the video’s actions were intended to promote a positive cause. It also said it was ready to connect local entrepreneurs with programs and opportunities to raise awareness safely and grow their community impact.
Williams’ wider operation
Alongside his 11 other horses, Williams cares for 10 horses belonging to others on his 10-acre property in Romulus. The property also has chickens, goats, pigs, a cow, barn cats, dogs, a parrot and a snake.
The article says the passenger visible in the video appeared relaxed and took pictures. It also notes the horses were on the bus only briefly, and the vehicle remained stationary.
Key points
- Raven and another horse walked through a Detroit bus before exiting at the rear.
- The horses did not travel on the bus, which stayed still during the visit.
- Williams runs Urban City Cowboys, including a program for children with disabilities.
- DDOT said the incident was inconsistent with policy and could affect passenger safety and comfort.