AAATA thanks Congresswoman Dingell for support on initiative
ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) announced today that a $7 million funding request was approved for the construction of the estimated $18-20 million plan to build a new, larger and improved Ypsilanti Transit Center. The funding request was requested and supported by Congresswoman Dingell.
The planning and design of the Ypsilanti Transit Center expansion is scheduled to begin in 2023 and go through 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 and last at least one year.
The federal funding was secured by Congresswoman Dingell as part of the FY2023 omnibus appropriations package. The funding will be used towards the construction of the new transit center. TheRide had previously received $300,000 in federal funds for the planning stages of this project, secured by U.S. Senator Gary Peters.
“This $7 million investment in the Ypsilanti Transit Center will allow us to build an upgraded facility on the Center’s current site to accommodate more passengers and buses, allow residents to buy bus passes in Ypsi, and better support employees and drivers,” Congresswoman Debbie Dingell said. “Increased access to public transportation will benefit workers and families who often face long, difficult commutes to jobs, school, and community activities. I look forward to continuing to work with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority to expand access to opportunity for our communities through transit.”
After a preliminary study and a series of public involvement forums, TheRide has proposed to demolish the existing Pearl Street transit center in downtown Ypsilanti and build an expanded bus terminal on the same site. TheRide’s Board of Directors has already reserved $1 million in local funding to help pay for costs of planning the expansion project. AAATA leaders also plan to seek additional state and federal funding to complete the construction. An expansion is necessary to help accommodate the current and future growing needs of the community and improve community equity. Ypsilanti has historically seen less public infrastructure investment than many communities in Washtenaw County, Carpenter noted.
The updated Ypsilanti Transit Center will increase the capacity for additional buses, passengers and other transportation modes, helping TheRide implement transit services planned in the long-range plan and supported by voters in August 2022. The updated facility will offer a more comfortable indoor waiting area, improved wayfinding and operations, customer service representatives and more passenger amenities.
No final decisions have been made about the configuration of the new building or lot and more discussion with the Ann Arbor - Ypsilanti community is necessary before reaching consensus on a final site plan that respects surrounding historic context. TheRide plans to engage with the public and gain their feedback, and updates on timing will be made available at TheRide.org.