ANN ARBOR, MI – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is hosting a number of virtual public meetings in June to present and receive feedback on the agency’s Fare Proposal. TheRide will also share the final updated Service Recovery Plan, which outlines service that begins on August 29. TheRide’s Fare Proposal includes adjustments to fixed route period passes and fares for its GoldRide demand response service. The current fixed route base fare will remain unchanged, however reductions to the cost for unlimited ride 1-Day and 30-Day passes are proposed. The fixed route pass reductions will be implemented in January 2022. The proposed fixed route period pass reductions are as follows:

Fixed Route Period Pass Proposal:  

To reduce higher subsidies and to be more cost neutral, the fares for the premium GoldRide demand response service are being proposed. Along with a fare adjustment, the premium GoldRide demand response service will be available within ¾ mile of fixed routes in the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Pittsfield and Ypsilanti Townships. The expanded service area and the proposed fare adjustment are scheduled to go into effect August 29. The expanded service area map is available at TheRide.org. The proposed fare adjustments are as follows:

Premium GoldRide Demand Response Fare Proposal:

Adjustments are being proposed to the FlexRide-East and FlexRide-West service to allow customers to easily transfer with its fixed routes services. TheRide is also proposing to discontinue the $2 surcharge to travel between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti using the FlexRide Night/Holiday service.

Proposed Adjustments to FlexRide Services:

“We are happy to be presenting a fare proposal that improves our current fare structure, ensuring it is equitable for our customers and allows us to maintain and expand our service levels,” said LaTasha Thompson, Interim Deputy CEO of Finance at TheRide. “We want to hear from our riders and community members about the proposed changes and will review all suggestions and comments received.” Feedback on the Fare Proposal is being accepted June 7 – July 7. TheRide's Board of Directors will be reviewing feedback and take action on the proposal at its July and September board meetings. There are many ways to provide feedback on the Fare Proposal:

• Attend a virtual public engagement meeting
• Visit TheRide.org and fill out the “Fare Proposal Feedback” form
• Email: planning@TheRide.org with the subject line: “Fare Proposal”
• Call: 734-794-1880
• Mail:
  • Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority
  • c/o Fare Proposal
  • 2700 S. Industrial Highway
  • Ann Arbor, MI 48104

TheRide will also be presenting its Final August Service Plan, which reflects the community’s feedback gathered in March 2021. Feedback was accepted through virtual townhall meetings, email, letters and phone. The Final August Service Plan restores service levels provided before the COVID-19 pandemic and includes adjustments to many routes and services. Key adjustments have been incorporated from the plan proposed in March of this year and include updates to the following routes and services:

• Route 6
• Route 26
• Route 29
• Route 61
• Route 62
• Route 65
• Route 68
• FlexRide - East
• GoldRide

"TheRide appreciates everyone who took the time to provide feedback to us on our Service Recovery Proposal in March,” Forest Yang, Deputy CEO of Planning and Innovation at TheRide said. “We received more than 300 comments and have adjusted our plan based on the community’s feedback. We appreciate the community’s patience with the changes we made to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re pleased to be able to return to the same levels of service we provided prior to the pandemic.” The Final Service Plan will be implemented starting August 29, 2021. Any comments received on the updated August Service Plan will be reviewed and considered for implementation at our next major service change scheduled for January 2022. Virtual public engagement meetings will be conducted through Zoom at the following dates and times:

TheRide encourages the public to ride for essential travel only at this time. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, TheRide has established a number of preventive measures and restrictions to keep both riders and drivers safe. Visit TheRide.org/Coronavirus for the most up to date information regarding our COVID-19 safety protocols. Drivers and customers must continue to wear face masks.

The latest information on TheRide’s routes, schedules and detours are available at TheRide.org or by calling (734) 996-0400.