TheRide hopes to improve reliability with these upcoming adjustments
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.
mlive.comAnn Arbor transit system nets $2.1M for Washtenaw Avenue express bus
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
mlive.comAnn Arbor transit system weighing pros and cons of electric buses
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
mlive.comNeed a ride to a Wolverine football game? More weekend routes added to express bus service
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!
mlive.comAnn Arbor’s TheRide reducing bus pass prices, introducing new half-fare pass
ANN ARBOR, MI — Riding the bus in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area is going to be more affordable soon. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also known as TheRide, has announced lower bus pass prices starting Aug. 28, reducing the cost for 30-day and one-day unlimited ride passes, while introducing a new half-fare one-day pass. Valid for unlimited rides for 30 days on fixed routes, FlexRide east and west. Valid for unlimited rides for 30 days on fixed routes, FlexRide east and west. Valid for unlimited rides for one day on fixed routes, FlexRide east and west.
mlive.comAnn Arbor-Ypsilanti transit tax’s big win means new services coming in 2024
ANN ARBOR, MI — A big tax to expand local public transit services had strong support from Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti voters, while Ypsilanti Township voters were more divided on it. “We’re really pleased with the result and very grateful to the voters for their trust and support,” Carpenter said. Ann Arbor is separately asking voters in November to approve a 20-year climate-action tax to fund other A2Zero initiatives. In Ann Arbor, the transit tax had 63% support Tuesday with a vote tally of 16,983-9,914. In Ypsilanti, support was even stronger at 75% with a count of 2,521-848.
mlive.comIs 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
mlive.comAre library cards the new bus pass? This summer they are in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti
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.
mlive.comYpsilanti Township leaders blast big proposed public transit tax increase
In the meantime, on Tuesday, April 5, Carpenter paid a visit to the Ypsilanti Township Civic Center and Ypsilanti City Hall to present the proposal and hear local leaders’ feedback. TheRide’s board has 10 members, eight from Ann Arbor and one each from Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, observed township Treasurer Stan Eldridge. Ann Arbor residents also currently pay a separate 2-mill tax and Ypsilanti residents a separate 1-mill tax for TheRide services. With the $1 million annually coming from Ypsilanti Township residents tax bills currently, it provides the township with $7 million of service, he said. The transit authority board, with several members present at the Tuesday township meeting, was “wrestling” with the tax increase, and Ypsilanti Township’s representative on the body had communicated township leaders’ concerns, he said.
mlive.comA quick overview of the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti transit tax proposal
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
mlive.comPlans for a new Ypsilanti Transit Center get $300K federal funding boost
YPSILANTI, MI — Plans for a new Ypsilanti Transit Center are taking another step forward. The plan is to give Ypsilanti a transit center more comparable to the Blake Transit Center in downtown Ann Arbor with a fully staffed customer service counter, in addition to restrooms and a break area for bus drivers. It also specifically calls for allocating over $100,000 per year to hire two additional customer service agents to staff the Ypsilanti Transit Center during regular business hours on weekdays. “The YTC office space would also be refurbished to be equivalent with the Ann Arbor terminal space. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Report recommends new traffic roundabouts, crosswalks on Ann Arbor’s north sideA 50-year-old time capsule and a pageant.
mlive.comAnn Arbor’s TheRide announces Thanksgiving transit schedule
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.
mlive.comAnn Arbor’s TheRide seeks public feedback on proposed service changes
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
mlive.comTheRide to host public meetings on new transportation proposal
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.
TheRide, Washtenaw County partner to provide shuttles to mass COVID vaccination site
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.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide is hiring full time service crew members
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 transit system to restore Ypsilanti services, update routes
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.
mlive.comDowntown area associations join annual challenge to encourage people to visit Ann Arbor in January
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.
TheRide will restore service in Ypsilanti, improve several routes starting Jan. 17
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.
TheRide announces Thanksgiving service changes
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’s TheRide to start restoring service in November
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.
Take a virtual tour of TheRide’s new replacement bus
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’s TheRide launches contactless ticketing app
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 Arbors TheRide: No service on Labor Day
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 Arbors TheRide to start new temporary routes Sunday
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.
Public invited to Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority budget proposal meeting Thursday
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 Arbors TheRide to host virtual public town hall meetings starting Tuesday
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.
TheRide to introduce reorganized routes, increases in services Aug. 30
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 Arbors TheRide to resume collecting fares Aug. 2
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 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.