ANN ARBOR AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

Federal funding will be put towards the construction of an improved and expanded transportation center, which is expected to break ground in 2026.

Route 3: Huron River Drive - Multiple timepoints are planning to be adjusted. Route 32: Miller - Maple to Blake Transit Center - Multiple timepoints are planning to be adjusted. Trips that leave the Ypsilanti Transit Center at 7 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. will Arbor Preparatory High School. Route 46: Huron – Paint Creek to Ypsilanti Transit Center - The routing on Huron River Drive plans to be adjusted. Trips arriving at Ypsilanti Transit Center at 7:36 a.m., 8:06 a.m., 3:39 p.m., and 4:39 p.m. will serve Arbor Preparatory High School.

Time points are being changed in order to improve reliability and on-time performance, the organization said in a release.

TheRide will not offer its fixed-route buses or its FlexRide East/West or A-Ride services on Christmas, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1, 2023.

TheRide competed against other regional transit agencies that submitted projects designed to help with carbon reduction.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Plans for a new express bus service between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti just got a big boost. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also known as TheRide, announced Thursday, Nov. 17, it was selected to receive $2.1 million in federal funding via the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. “The Washtenaw Avenue Express Bus Service not only will provide faster service for our citizens, it also plays a crucial role in our communities’ sustainability and social equity goals.”The limited-stop, express service is slated to begin in 2024, enhancing connections between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. “SEMCOG is pleased to support enhanced transit service for Washtenaw Avenue, one of the most significant mobility corridors in Washtenaw County,” SEMCOG Executive Director Amy O’Leary said in a statement. “In addition to benefitting everyone who lives, works and commutes along this corridor, cleaner air improves quality of life and health outcomes for each community.”MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor transit system weighing pros and cons of electric busesJudge unconvinced Ann Arbor broke law by blacking out information in reportAnn Arbor’s nearly $3M big dig to fight flooding nears completion‘It’s a shockingly polarizing issue.’ Ann Arbor weighs dog park optionsCrossing Ann Arbor’s Main Street just got safer for pedestrians

Buses and select services from the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, TheRide, will not be operating on their normal fixed routes in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Switching to electric buses in the Ann Arbor area could require huge capital investments, but there also could be longterm operating cost savings, a new report shows. The consultant’s newly released report compares two options: battery electric buses and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. However, battery electric buses still cost less compared to hydrogen buses, the report notes. An analysis for the hydrogen fuel buses shows $51 million in potential savings on operations and maintenance over 25 years compared to diesel buses and $52 million in additional capital costs compared to diesel buses. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti transit tax’s big win means new services coming in 2024More pickleball courts coming to Ann Arbor parks due to popular demandAnn Arbor reduces roadway as partial fix for misaligned intersectionExpect delays on well-traveled route between Ann Arbor and YpsilantiYpsilanti officials look to avoid becoming ‘weed city’ amid marijuana retail saturation

ANN ARBOR, MI – The Detroit to Ann Arbor Express Bus Service is now offering travelers more opportunities for a ride. These additional routes will double D2A2′s service on Saturdays and Sundays just in time for fall sporting events. Read more: 5 things to know about the return of Ann Arbor-Detroit express bus serviceThe D2A2 service originally launched in March 2020, but halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service made its return in 2021 and has continued to provide its hourly express bus service to both cities ever since. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Site plan approved for Ann Arbor-area pickleball facilityHistoric Depot Town building will again serve as Ypsilanti winter warming centerIt’s cider mill season!

TheRide is dropping the prices of one-day unlimited ride passes and 30-day passes starting Aug. 28.

TheRide’s 2.38 mil property tax aims to improve and expand public transit service in the area.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority’s proposal to expand local transit services has a strong early lead, initial results from Tuesday’s primary show. With 80 of 82 precincts across Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township partially counted, the vote is 11,524-6,900, a 63% showing of support for the tax. Live election results for Aug. 2 primary in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw CountyA group called Partners for Transit led the campaign for the millage with financial backing from DTE Energy, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Transit Workers Union and endorsements from many local officials. It amounts to a 1.68-mill increase to a 0.7-mill tax the three communities already pay, in addition to other transit millages in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:How a big tax increase could reshape public transit in Ann Arbor areaA quick overview of the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti transit tax proposalIs now the time for a major expansion of Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti bus services?

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority leaders have laid out an ambitious vision for a future with significantly expanded public transit. That means more frequent and faster bus service, more hours of operation, a new Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti express route and more. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:With ridership still down, Ann Arbor transit expansion is banking on future demandOverreaching or transformational? Debate over Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti transit tax heats upAre library cards the new bus pass? This summer they are in Ann Arbor, YpsilantiHere’s your Ann Arbor-area voter guide for the August 2022 primaryAnn Arbor mayoral candidates share views on challenges facing city

Community members will have several opportunities this summer to provide feedback on TheRide's upcoming budget proposal.

Several services will be temporarily paused in observance of Independence Day.

The fun begins on June 10.

ANN ARBOR, MI – Library cards can get you a free weekend ride on TheRide in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti this summer. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, TheRide, is partnering with the Ann Arbor District Library and Ypsilanti District Library to offer free local fixed route rides for library cardholders every Saturday and Sunday from June 11 to Aug. 28. Passengers simply need to show the driver their library cards.

AADL card holders can ride TheRide buses for free this summer.

The Memorial Day holiday will affect TheRide's services and buildings.

On Tuesday, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide), dropped its mask requirement after the Transportation Security Administration announced it would stop enforcing a federal mask mandate.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority is no longer requiring riders to wear face masks, following the lead of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. Due to a court ruling Monday, April 18, TSA announced it will no longer enforce COVID-19 directives requiring masks on public transportation and at transportation hubs, though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend masks in indoor public transit settings. A federal judge in Florida struck down mask mandates for airplanes and other forms of public transportation, ruling the CDC overstepped its authority. AAATA, also known as TheRide, posted an update on its coronavirus information webpage Tuesday confirming masks are no longer required on local buses, though it still encourages people to wear masks while riding and at transit centers and to be kind to those who choose to wear masks. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:A quick overview of the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti transit tax proposalHere’s how Ann Arbor may spend $935K in new marijuana tax revenueAnn Arbor’s $15M plan to ramp up street repairs means more construction coming$2.6M Ann Arbor construction project in Stadium/Washtenaw area to start soonWhat are all those metal holes around Ann Arbor?

See how the Easter holiday will affect TheRide's buses in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area.

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has announced it will receive $300,000 as part of a $16 million plan to expand the Ypsilanti Transit Center.

ANN ARBOR, MI — There are 10 main components to the 2.38-mill tax proposal the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority is considering putting to voters in August. CEO Matt Carpenter provided a breakdown explaining each piece of what would be a 1.68-mill increase to a 0.7-mill tax already levied in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township. A chart breaking down the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority's tentative transit tax proposal, which the agency's board is expected to consider in April. The YTC office space would also be refurbished to be equivalent with the Ann Arbor terminal space. All those funds are directly invested in our communities and residents.”MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:$3M federal earmark to help Ann Arbor affordable housing sites go solarAnn Arbor District Library’s new director has long track record in communityAnn Arbor council divided 9-2 on $600K contract with new lobbyistNew interactive maps offer color-coded look at Ann Arbor street conditionsAnn Arbor dimming city lights to raise awareness about climate change

ANN ARBOR, MI — A major transformation and expansion of public transit services in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area could mean 39% faster bus service, double the service near residences and a 74% increase in service near jobs. Those are projections from a new 2045 long-range plan for the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also known as TheRide, which is considering asking voters in August to approve a big tax increase to start implementing the draft plan. If approved, it would be levied from 2024 to 2028 and cost property owners in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township an extra $168 per year for every $100,000 of taxable value. The long-range plan also shows possibilities for new park-and-ride lots coupled with express bus services linking Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti to surrounding communities throughout the region. “So, there’s a whole lot of folks who would benefit from this, but I like to think of it as a benefit to the entire community.”MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor bus ridership has plummeted amid the pandemic.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Voters in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area could be asked this year to approve a tax increase to fund another expansion of local public transit services. The governing board of the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also known as TheRide, is scheduled to discuss a five-year millage proposal at its meeting Thursday, March 17, while also allowing opportunity for public comments.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area has seen sharp declines in bus ridership during the pandemic, and a new report shows just how much of a hit each route has taken. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also known as TheRide, reported 6.4 million bus rides on its local fixed routes in the 2019 fiscal year, and that was down to 1.7 million in fiscal year 2021, which ended Sept 30.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor’s transit authority is preparing for the winter storm ahead and encouraging bus riders to brace for potential service disruptions in the next couple days. “We’re just hunkering down, waiting for Snowmageddon,” Matt Carpenter, CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also known as TheRide, said on Tuesday afternoon. “We’re preparing for service disruptions, so we’re starting to push out service notifications to people, just saying, ‘Your route may be delayed, travel early, plan ahead, don’t travel if you don’t have to,’ that sort of thing,” he said. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning in effect from 6 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, to 10 p.m. Thursday, predicting anywhere from 11 to 15 inches of snow throughout the region, making travel hazardous, difficult or impossible. “I would just encourage everyone: don’t travel if you don’t have to, whether by bus or car or dog sled or ski.

“Updates to service have been made to improve on-time performance and service reliability, and to better align with school start and end times," TheRide officials said in an email.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Ann Arbor buses will have slightly modified routes and schedules starting on Jan. 23, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority announced this week. Routes that are set to see changes include:Route 23 Plymouth: Routing changeRoute 32 Miller-Maple: Schedule changeRoute 46 Paint Creek: Schedule changeRoute 61 U-M Miller: Routing and schedule changeRoute 65 U-M Downtown-Green: Schedule changeRoute 66 Carpenter-Huron Parkway: Schedule changeChanges include earlier arrival and drop off times at Skyline High School. Route 32 will now service Skyline High School at 2:59 p.m. rather than the 3:29 p.m. set on its current schedule. Route 46 will also see changes to better serve schools, including additional stops at Ann Arbor Preparatory High School. A full list of updated scheduling and route changes can be found on TheRides’ website here.

TheRide is accepting applications for driver positions through Jan. 12.

Starting Thursday, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is reducing bus services on select routes and suspending route 68.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor transit system has recovered from a cyber attack and restored real-time bus info for riders. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also known as TheRide, reported in October it was the victim of a cyber attack causing temporary disruptions to its information systems, including data riders use to track when buses are coming. “We realize that not having the real-time tools was a challenge in your daily commute. “I want to extend a sincere thank you to our employees who jumped into action during our cyber attack,” Carpenter said. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Tesla dealership could replace longtime Ann Arbor-area bowling alleyLatest look at Ann Arbor’s plan for blighted site across from YMCAAnn Arbor fire chief floats 5 ideas for new fire station on University of Michigan campusNew Ann Arbor administrator wants to hire D.C. lobbyist, overhaul city websiteAnn Arbor considering new strategy to accelerate street repairs over 3 years

TheRide says its real-time tools are back up and running for customers.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also called TheRide, has announced that regular bus services will not be in operation on Thursday, Nov. 25, in observance of Thanksgiving. These regular services include fixed-route bus service, FlexRide East and West, and A-Ride services. Passengers who may need public transit on Thanksgiving can take advantage of FlexRide Holiday Service, a shared-ride service utilized on specific holidays. FlexRide Holiday trips have limited designated areas within the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Reservations for both Late Night and Holiday Service can be made through the MODE Car App or by calling 734-528-5432.

TheRide announced it will pause several of its services in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

TheRide is seeking feedback from community members to help shape its vision for the next 25 years.

TheRide has announced that it is the victim of a recent cyberattack.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also known as TheRide, reported it was the victim of a cyber attack this week causing temporary disruptions to real-time bus information and other information systems. The agency is continuing to work to restore its systems and has notified law enforcement of the incident, officials said. “We are working hard to restore our real-time bus information and other tools as quickly as possible. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Could a new bandshell configuration bring rock concerts back to Ann Arbor’s West Park? Ann Arbor SPARK executive announces campaign for City Council4 finalists in running to be Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority directorReducing speeds on Ann Arbor’s major streets a goal of new initiativeAnn Arbor Public Schools canceling classes for a day to help with staffing shortages

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also known as TheRide, is asking residents for help in creating the future of transit in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area. The Ride offers fixed-route buses for people daily and its officials are currently working on a long-range plan for the transportation service called TheRide 2045. “We also want to help the environment and the economy while ensuring the community’s needs are met.”TheRide is offering different scenarios for future transit at both public and online meetings. In-person meetings are 1 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov 8, at the Ypsilanti Transit Center and 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov 9, at the Blake Transit Center. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Robotic delivery service pulls commercial fleet from Ann Arbor streetsHistoric Depot Town building will host Ypsilanti winter warming center, amid COVID closuresLife in the ‘dead zone’: How thousands in Washtenaw County get by without broadband

Buses departing Ann Arbor will run from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, with limited weekend buses leaving Tree Town between 9:45 a.m. and 8:15 p.m.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority is restoring local bus services to pre-pandemic levels starting Sunday, Aug. 29. After operating during the pandemic with temporary service reductions, the public transit system for the greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area is implementing a new service plan developed using feedback from riders. All routes and services have been adjusted to better serve the community, the agency said. “We are happy to announce that our service is being restored to pre-pandemic levels. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor implements COVID-19 vaccine mandate for city employeesAnn Arbor homeowners use solar backup batteries to weather power outagesHistorical Foundation urges Ann Arbor to begin planning for city’s 200th anniversaryFeds deal blow to Ann Arbor train station plan, citing high costs, too much parkingTraffic pattern changes create confusion on First Street in Ann Arbor

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is restoring its services to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels beginning Sunday, August 29.

ANN ARBOR, MI - No need to stumble toward Michigan Stadium on football Saturdays. There are bus rides throughout Ann Arbor to get you there. TheRide has announced its special shuttle schedule FootballRide for the Wolverine football season, as well as its rates, accommodations and rules. The pick-up locations for the five FootballRide shuttles can be found online at MyFootballRide.org, and nearby hotels will also be served indirectly, officials said. The five shuttles are the North, South, East, West and Downtown shuttles, and they service more than 20 hotels and parking lots combined.

Starting Saturday, September 4, FootballRide will transport fans to and from hotels, parking sites and Michigan Stadium during home games.

Community members venturing out of their homes can now use buses from the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) for non-essential trips.

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is asking for public feedback on its Fare Proposal, which outlines future fare changes for different passes and services.

On Tuesday, TheRide sent out an email reminding users about the mask requirement.

ANN ARBOR, MI – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, TheRide, is reminding riders of its face covering policy that remains in place even with changing state guidelines. TheRide has mandated the face mask requirement through Sept. 13 for all over-the-road buses and commuter bus systems, the transit service announced this week. We will continue to work closely with federal, state and local guidance to evaluate the need for these directives and recognize the significant level of compliance thus far.”Exemptions to the face mask requirement for travelers under the age of 2 and those with certain disabilities will continue, officials said. The transit service’s website explains that existing civil penalty fine structure will also remain in place through Sept. 13, starting at $250 and rising to $1,500 for repeat offenders of the federal face mask requirement. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Rule changes may open door to more home-based businesses in Ann ArborAnn Arbor District Library sets full reopening date for all branchesAnn Arbor teen gains local and regional recognition for poetry

Reduced routes, part of TheRide’s temporary service plan, will resume on Tuesday, June 1.

Members will represent the community and give their input on the challenges and solutions faced by TheRide 2045, the public transit system’s long-range planning project.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, TheRide, is rolling out its service recovery proposal in a series of virtual public engagement meetings through April 1. TheRide is encouraging public participation and is looking for ways to improve its proposed service plan based on public feedback. TheRide’s proposed service recovery plan affects all routes, along with A-Ride, GoldRide, FlexRide and Night/Holiday service, officials said. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Is downtown Ann Arbor poised for a post-pandemic comeback? Ann Arbor council member resigns from political consulting firm amid controversySome of Ann Arbor’s best-known restaurants are offering Easter dinners

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – On Monday, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) will host the first of several virtual meetings to talk to the public about its new service plan. Starting in August, the plan will affect all of TheRide’s bus routes as well as its A-Ride, GoldRide, FlexRide and Night/Holiday services. Changes presented by the proposal include reinstating some routes, adding select weekend services, revising routes to serve different areas and eliminating route variations. Meetings for public feedback will be held this week at noon on Monday and Wednesday, and at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Additional meetings will be at 6 p.m. on March 30, noon on March 31 and at 6 p.m. on April 1.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Schedule changes are coming to Ann Arbor’s public transportation service for the observance of Easter. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, TheRide, will not operate fixed-route bus service, FlexRide East/West, or A-Ride services on Easter Sunday, April 4, officials said. The FlexRide Holiday Service runs from 6 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 4, according to TheRide. Reservations stop at 5:15 a.m. For trips outside of Ann Arbor, reservations stop at 5 a.m..On Saturday and Sunday, April 3 and 4, reservations stop at 6:15 a.m. For trips outside of Ann Arbor, reservations stop at 6 a.m. officials said. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor’s TheRide to offer shuttle services to vaccination clinics2 cats missing after Ann Arbor-area house fireAnn Arbor OKs street closures for restaurants, retail until August

ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has partnered with the Washtenaw County Health Department to provide transportation to and from the county’s mass COVID vaccination site at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center. Service began on Wednesday and anyone who has a scheduled appointment at the EMU site can use the shuttles. “This is an important step in making our mass vaccination site at EMU more accessible. We’re thankful to the TheRide for working with us to provide transportation at no cost to riders,” Loveluck said in a news release. The shuttles operate every 30 minutesThe shuttles are limited to 20 individuals per vehicle.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, TheRide, will begin transporting residents to the COVID vaccination site at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center. The service is set to begin in partnership with the Washtenaw County Health Department on Wednesday, March 17, officials announced. Anyone with a scheduled appointment at the Washtenaw County Health Department’s vaccine site may use the services, TheRide said. A-Ride trips to the EMU Convocation center are provided at no cost for customers with an A-Ride identification card, TheRide said. “This is an important step in making our mass vaccination site at EMU more accessible,” Washtenaw County Health Officer Jimena Loveluck said.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor’s public transportation service is aiming a return to previous service levels beginning in August 2021, officials said. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is introducing its roadmap to a safe return to standard service during a series of public engagement events in March, according to a press release. TheRide’s 2021 Service Recovery Proposal looks to increase operating capacity as service has been reduced since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 Service Recovery Proposal will affect all routes and services, including A-Ride, GoldRide, FlexRide and Night/Holiday services, officials said. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:EPA answers lingering questions about possible Superfund cleanup in Ann ArborAnn Arbor City Council approves sidewalk snow removal study2021 Young Citizen of the Year applications now openOutdoor cafés on state trunklines OK’d in Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Interested in working with public transportation? The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is looking to add three new, full-time members to its service crew. New service crew members will work afternoon shifts with hours between 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and on weekends, according to the job posting. During their training, members will be paid $17.74 per hour. After training, members will receive hourly pay of $21.29, which will increase to $24.60 after one year of employment.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is restoring Ypsilanti services among others in a new plan. Route 22: Adjust routing headed to the Blake Transit Center from the Glen Avenue/Fuller Road area to Beakes Fifth Avenue. Route 23: Adjust routing in downtown Ann Arbor from William Street to Washington Street and Thayer Street to reach the University of Michigan Central Campus Center. Route 32: Adjust routing from UM’s central campus area to end at the Blake Transit Center for all trips. Route 26: Move boarding location at the Blake Transit Center from Fourth Avenue to the transit mall.

ANN ARBOR – Downtown area associations have joined an annual campaign to encourage visitors to continue shopping and dining in the city throughout the month of January. Typically a slow time of year for business, the pandemic has only exacerbated the lack of customers at local establishments. The Main Street Area Association, State Street District, Kerrytown District Association, and South University Area Association have partnered with the getDowntown Program for “Conquer the Cold - Pandemic Edition.”The annual challenge by getDowntown -- in partnership with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide), the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and the City of Ann Arbor -- is designed to encourage and educate commuters to use alternative modes of transportation during the cold winter months. Many restaurants will be participating in the Comfort Food Challenge, and users can get prizes for dining outdoors, ordering curbside and shopping downtown. “The Downtown Districts are excited to be partnering with GetDowntown for Conquer the Cold this year,” Sandra Andrade, executive director of the Main Street Area Association said in a statement.

ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) announced it is updating its Temporary Service Plan to include restoring service in Ypsilanti and to improve on-time performance on a number of routes starting on Jan. 17. Route 22Adjust routing headed to the Blake Transit Center from the Glen Ave/Fuller Rd area to Beakes Ave and Fifth Ave to serve Kerrytown. Route 23Adjust routing in downtown Ann Arbor from William St to Washington St and Thayer St to reach the U-M Central Campus Center. Service to U-M Central Campus will be provided via Route 23. Route 26Move boarding location at the Blake Transit Center from Fourth Ave. to the transit mall.

ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority announced it will not operate its services on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, 2021 in observance of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Fixed-route bus service will end early on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31). The shared-ride FlexRide Holiday Service is $5 per person on holidays and operates within designated areas of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Reservations can be made Monday through Friday and stop at 5:15 a.m. or 5 a.m. for trips outside of Ann Arbor. On Saturday and Sunday, reservations can be made until 6:15 a.m. or 6 a.m. for trips outside of Ann Arbor.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – On Thursday, Nov. 26, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) will not offer any of its fixed-route bus service, FlexRide East/West or A-Ride services during the Thanksgiving holiday. Community members needing to get around that Thursday can use TheRide’s FlexRide Holiday Service -- a shared-ride service that operates on designated holidays. The holiday service will operate from 6 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26. Trips can be taken to designated areas in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti andFind designated FlexRide Holiday Service areas here. TheRide does not operate service on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is changing its Thanksgiving Day schedule. The transit provider will not operate its fixed-route service, FlexRide East/West or A-Ride on Thursday, Nov. 26 in observance of Thanksgiving Day. Trips are limited to certain areas in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. FlexRide Holiday hours on Thanksgiving run from 6 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. Public invited to U.S. 12-U.S. 23 improvement project meetingLocal Eats: Try cauliflower wings, soups or vegan sweets at Detroit Filling Station in Ann ArborTraffic being rerouted across Ann Arbor on Monday for construction

ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority has announced that it will begin restoring service next month after implementing its Temporary Service Plan in August. According to TheRide, the service updates that begin Sunday, Nov, 22 include:Route 22: The boarding location at the Blake Transit Center will be relocated. Route 25: The route that starts at the Blake Transit Center will be adjusted to serve Target on Waters Rd. FlexRide-East: Weekend service is being added to the FlexRide-East service area in Ypsilanti Township. “We continue to take a very cautious approach to adding back service,” Bryan D. Smith, Deputy CEO of Operations at TheRide said in a statement.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is looking for public feedback on eight new replacement buses. The company aims to replace 40 buses in its fleet of 100 in the next five years using state and federal grants. Nova Bus in 2019 was awarded a contract to supply five replacement buses per year. Design revealed for new Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority busesAnn Arbor bus system gets $20.7M in federal funding“As we replace older buses, we have an opportunity to phase in new features that we hope will be attractive to riders, staff and the community. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, TheRide is limiting feedback to a virtual tour.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is getting eight replacement buses for its fleet. The first of the new buses has arrived and TheRide is inviting the Ann Arbor community to give feedback on what they like and don’t like about the new bus. Manufactured by Nova Bus, each new bus has larger windows, a back window, more spacious seating, a designated stroller area, floor markings, full-sized windows on the rear doors and antimicrobial seats. The replacement buses include USB charging ports, push buttons instead of pull cords, internal and external security cameras and destination headsigns. Riders will notice that the bodies of the Nova Bus buses have been designed to reflect the TheRide logo and have large front windshields and front-side windows.

ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) announced this week that it has launched a new contactless mobile ticketing app called EZfare to make riding public transit more convenient and safer amid the global health crisis. TheRide joins 13 other transit agencies from around the Midwest that use the mobile payment system which is powered by service provider Masabi. EZfare is now the largest mobile ticketing platform in the country. Users can download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play. The app operates as a Ticket Wallet and upon boarding, users simply have to show the driver their active ticket on their phone screen.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has launched a contactless ticketing service to ease the process between passengers and drivers. The EZfare mobile application allows customers to buy tickets anytime to activate in their “ticket wallet." Select “TheRide” from the list of transit agencies. Select “buy tickets” to purchase fares or go to your ticket wallet to use a pre-purchased fare (skip to step 5). Open the ticket wallet and select the ticket you want to use.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority has announced it will be suspending services on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day. For those needing transportation, the FlexRide and the FlexRide Night and Holiday services will be available. The FlexRide service will work from 6 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. on Labor Day. Reservations for the Late Night and Holiday Service can be made by calling 734-528-5432 or through the MODE Car application. The FlexRide Late Night and Holiday Service costs $5 per person.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) will start its new temporary route plan on Sunday. TheRide also expanded its FlexRide services to work in areas that are not covered by the new plan. To aid in efforts curbing the spread of COVID-19, TheRide announced that it has not printed Ride Guides for the temporary plan. Individual route pages are available by request at the Blake Transit Center and the TheRides main office at 2700 S. Industrial Hwy. Over the course of August, TheRide held a series of virtual meetings discussing the changes The temporary route network was announced in July.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The public is encouraged to provide comments on Thursday during the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) 2021 budget proposal meeting. The budget meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and will be held over Zoom. The Fiscal Year 2021 budget also preserves TheRides financial sustainability to ensure capacity to re-emerge from the pandemic. Like what youre reading? The Fiscal Year 2021 budget will be formally adopted in a September meeting by TheRide board of directors. The transportation systems 2021 fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2021.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. On Tuesday, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) will kick off a month-long series of virtual public town hall meetings to discuss temporary changes in services that begin Aug. 30. In June, TheRide announced a series of temporary service changes, including a revised network of bus routes and increased frequency of buses on busy routes. The revised routes are designed to prioritize essential destinations so as to reflect realities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual town hall meetings will take place at the following times:Noon -- Aug. 46 p.m. -- Aug. 6Noon -- Aug. 116 p.m. -- Aug. 13Noon -- Aug. 186 p.m. -- Aug. 19Noon -- Aug. 20Find the temporary service change presentation and summary here. Those who cannot attend the meetings can comment here or by sending an email to planning@theride.org, calling (734) 794-1882 or by mailing a letter to Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority.

ANN ARBOR A network of reorganized routes and an increase in services are a few of the changes coming to public transportation in Ann Arbor. In areas where fixed routes buses will not be going, TheRide is offering on-demand FlexRide services. Routes 30, 32, 42, 46 and 65 will change their names. Meetings will be at noon on Aug. 4, Aug. 11, Aug. 18 and Aug. 20. There will also be evenings meetings at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6, Aug. 13 and Aug. 19.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. After suspending fare collection in mid-March, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority announced that it will resume collecting fares from passengers on Aug. 2. Tokens and 30-day passes will be available at certain Bank of Ann Arbor locations. Passes and A-Ride Scrip coupons will be available online on Aug. 1. Changes have been made to how TheRide passengers can pay their fares. Learn about health and safety precautions being taken by TheRide at www.theride.orgRelated: Ann Arbors TheRide urges businesses to flatten the rush-hour curve

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is urging businesses and community members to help flatten the rush-hour curve of commuting-related crowding as more workers return to using public transportation. So that services are not overwhelmed, TheRide has made recommendations in order to reduce commute gridlock and to encourage social distancing, which will become increasingly more difficult as students return to Ann Arbor in the fall . The preventative measures are intended to keep commuters safe and to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Safety has always been our number one priority and we are committed to doing our part in this pandemic, said Matt Carpenter, CEO at TheRide in a statement. As more businesses and schools reopen, we know more people will need to use our service.

ANN ARBOR The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority has announced it will be suspending services on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial DayTheRides reduced routes will resume on Tuesday, May 26. Due to safety concerns, the Blake Transit Center in Ann Arbor and the Ypsilanti Transit Centers as well as TheRides main office at 2700 S. Industrial Highway will remain closed until further notice. On April 30, TheRide announced plans to lay off 42 employees in order to avoid insolvency. The move came after the agency reduced routes by 70% and put measures in place like free rides and a cap on passengers to keep riders and drivers safe. This helps prevent spreading your illness to othersCover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezingWash your hands often to help keep germs away.

ANN ARBOR – TheRide has announced new social distancing measures in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. From signs to keep riders separated to a maximum capacity of 15 riders, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority is taking extra precautions to keep its riders and drivers safe. The new measures include:Signs to keep riders 6 feet from each other are on bus seats, on benches, buildings and shelters at Transit CentersA yellow line on the bus floor marks 6 feet between the driver and ridersEach bus is now at full capacity when 15 riders have boarded. ✉ Like what you’re reading? Sign up for our email newsletter here!

(Credit: Meredith Bruckner)ANN ARBOR - The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, or TheRide, is seeking community input to help shape the future of its long-range public transportation plan, which is now in development. According to TheRide, the long-range public transportation plan in the greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area will use public input to:Create a vision for public transit in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti areaGuide and prioritize investments for the public transit network in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti areaCreate a disciplined approach to achieve the goals outlined by TheRide's board of directorsCoordinate efforts with other transportation projects and plans throughout the regionTheRide is hosting a series of public meetings through Nov. 11. "This input, along with feedback from key stakeholders, will be used to shape future public transit services." What role do you see innovation and technology having in changing your interaction with public transit? All About Ann Arbor is powered by ClickOnDetroit/WDIV.