Press Release
For Immediate Release
May 2, 2024
Contact
Jeffrey Pfeifer
Manager of Public Affairs and
Community Engagement
(810) 923-9732
JAPfeifer@TheRide.org

ANN ARBOR, MI – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is launching a new route – Route 104, the Washtenaw Avenue Express Route on Monday, May 6. This limited-stop service provides a faster connection between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti on Washtenaw Avenue and is a part of TheRide’s Long-Range Plan, made possible by the citizen approved millage in 2022 that goes into effect this year.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing this limited-stop service that helps connect our communities faster and easier,” Matt Carpenter, CEO of TheRide said. “The launch of this vital service will cut down travel time and significantly enhance equity and opportunities for residents in our area. We extend our gratitude to the citizens of the greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area for recognizing the importance of public transportation and for their unwavering support of our millage. It is through their generosity and commitment that we can introduce this much-needed service to our community, ensuring greater accessibility and connectivity for all.”

The new service is designed to decrease travel time on Washtenaw Avenue by more than 25%. The limited-stop service connects Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti faster, operating every 30 minutes Monday-Friday from 6:00 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. The Route 104 Washtenaw Avenue Express route has 4 stop locations between the Blake Transit Center in Ann Arbor and the Ypsilanti Transit Center in Ypsilanti: 

• The University of Michigan Central Campus Transit Center
• Washtenaw Ave & Pittsfield Blvd in Ann Arbor
• Washtenaw Ave & Golfside Rd in Ypsilanti Township
• Washtenaw Ave & Cross St in Ypsilanti City near the Eastern Michigan University Main Campus

TheRide employees will be riding the route and at the transit centers at select times on Monday, May 6 to help launch this service, providing information on the route and promoting the new service.

The remaining transit service improvements that are a part of TheRide’s Long-Range Plan and the approved millage go into effect tentatively in August 2024 which includes:

• Extended weekday service on fixed-routes
• Extended weekend service on fixed-routes
• Adjustments to some routes and timings
• Expanded and extended service for FlexRide Late Night and Holiday service.

More information on TheRide’s Long-Range Plan is available at TheRide.org.

TheRide’s route information is available in many formats. RideGuides that outline helpful riding information, along with service maps and route schedules are available on buses at our transit centers, and at select community locations in our service area.  In addition, TheRide’s Rider Tools allow customers to stay up to date on estimated arrival times, detours and other service-related alerts along a route or at a specific bus stop. Each bus stop also has a sign regarding TheRide’s Text My Bus feature, which allows riders to text to find out when their bus will arrive at their stop. In addition, customers can call TheRide’s route information line at 734-996-0400 for assistance on any service questions they may have.