(Posted: 3/17/20)
ANN ARBOR, MI – With the serious situation regarding the spreading of Coronavirus (COVID-19), The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has announced free fares on all fixed-routes and demand response services, transit center closures and reduced schedules effective immediately.
“The health and safety of our riders and employees is one of our highest values. It is important that we take these crucial steps immediately to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” Matt Carpenter, TheRide CEO said.
Free Fares
Beginning March 17 and until further notice, TheRide will temporarily suspend the collection of fares on all fixed-routes and demand response services to limit passenger and driver interaction.
Route Reductions
Due to lower demand for TheRide’s services, plans will be announced to reduce service levels on March 18. While service is still running, TheRide urges everyone to follow the directions of health officials and not travel unless absolutely necessary.
Service on AirRide, direct service to Detroit Metro Airport from the Blake Transit Center has been suspended until further notice.
Customer Service
The Ypsilanti Transit Center, Blake Transit Center and TheRide’s front desk at 2700 S. Industrial Highway will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, March 18. However, information specialists will still be available for route information, reservations for A-Ride and other business-related questions during normal business hours.
Visit TheRide.org to sign up for MyAlerts to stay up to date on our service.
Additional Precautions
- All vehicles and facilities have been sanitized and disinfected with protocols as recommended by the CDC
- All staff continue to receive a supply of sanitization supplies and are encouraged to follow the CDC’s hygiene guidelines
- TheRide is instituting social distancing among employee work environments, with many staff working remotely, canceled business travel, and in-person meetings discouraged
TheRide remains dedicated to the health and safety of its riders and employees. The above steps will happen for a rolling two-week period and will be reassessed daily.
TheRide is reminding riders and employees of healthy habits from the CDC:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and if you are sick
- Stay home when you are sick, if possible. This helps prevent spreading your illness to others
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands often to help keep germs away. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
“By taking the additional steps to ensure the daily sanitation of our vehicles, we’re doing our part to help keep the community safe,” Mary Boonin, TheRide’s Manager of Community Relations said. “We urge our riders and our staff to continue their healthy habits and wash their hands frequently and to stay home if they are sick.”
The latest information on TheRide’s routes, schedules and detours is available in the Ride Guide, at (734) 996-0400, and on TheRide.org.