TheRide to Resume Collecting Fares August 2

TheRide to Resume Collecting Fares August 2

TheRide FlexPass being swiped through farebox

Tokens, passes, A-Ride scrip may be purchased starting July 20.

(Posted: 7/15/20)

ANN ARBOR, MI –  The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) announced today that beginning August 2, the agency will resume collecting fares from passengers for both fixed-route and A-Ride paratransit service. TheRide had previously suspended fare collection on these services in an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

 “As more businesses begin to reopen along with schools and universities resuming, we continue to encourage using public transit for essential trips such as work, grocery shopping or to get to the pharmacy. We are committed to keeping both our riders and employees healthy and safe. We’ve added many preventive measures to do our part in stopping the spread of COVID-19,” Bryan Smith, Deputy CEO of Operations for TheRide said.

With fare collection resuming, there are changes to paying your fare:

Paying Your Fare on Fixed-Route Buses:

  • TheRide has installed barriers separating the Motor Coach Operator (MCO) from passengers and the farebox
  • Passengers are to resume boarding through the front door of the bus and insert their fare into the farebox.
  • All fare media including cash, passes, go!passes, MCards, etc. will be accepted
  • Use of day passes rather than change cards is recommended to reduce interactions with the farebox
  • Any 30-day passes activated between February 18 – March 17 can be replaced at no charge at one of our sales locations:
    • 2700 S. Industrial Highway, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    • Blake Transit Center, Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 7:00pm, Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • An original 30-day pass must be returned at the above sales locations to receive a replacement starting July 20

A-Ride Paratransit:

  • Payment by Scrip is recommended
  • Exact cash fare will be accepted, drivers do not give change

Starting on July 20, customers will be able to purchase tokens, passes and A-Ride Scrip at the Blake Transit Center and TheRide’s Main Office at 2700 S. Industrial Highway. Customers who wish to obtain or renew their Fare Deal Identification Card may do so at either location. To apply or renew an A-Ride identification card, please contact 734-973-6500 or email ARide@TheRide.org. Tokens and 30-day passes are also available for purchase at select Bank of Ann Arbor locations.

Beginning August 1, passes and A-Ride Scrip will be available for purchase online at TheRide.org.

The hours that fare media may be purchased are:

Blake Transit Center 
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Main Office – 2700 S. Industrial Highway
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Blake Transit Center and the Main Office will use the following precautions:

  • Entrance to either location is limited to purchasing fare media and to apply or renew a reduced fare identification card
  • The number of people allowed to enter will be limited and monitored
  • Face coverings are required when entering the building, per state law
  • Entrance and exit doors will be clearly marked
  • Customers must immediately exit the building once their transaction is completed
  • Signs, including floor markings have been installed to promote social distancing
  • Credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay will be accepted using contactless processing machines
  • Cleaning protocols are in place to sanitize high use surfaces between customer transactions

TheRide remains dedicated to protecting the health and safety of its riders and employees and is taking a cautious and measured approach to phase in service focused on physical distancing, key corridors and essential trips. TheRide requests that community members and area businesses work together to help “flatten the rush-hour curve” to reduce the spread of the virus. Together, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 as businesses and schools reopen.

TheRide is doing what it can to help stop the spread of COVID-19, including:

  • Passengers are required to wear a mask when riding and when waiting at a bus stop, per state law
  • Enhanced cleaning of high-touch areas on buses, shelters and at transit facilities using protocols recommended by the CDC
  • Signs designating physical distancing on each bus, on benches, and at shelters and transit centers
  • Plexiglass barrier to separate customers from the driver
  • Drivers are required to wear masks and are provided face shields and gloves
  • Providing hand sanitation supplies at transit centers and on buses for riders

For more information regarding TheRide’s preventive measures for COVID-19, visit TheRide.org/coronavirus. The latest information on TheRide’s routes, schedules and detours is available by calling Route Information at (734) 996-0400 and on TheRide.org. Businesses seeking more assistance in helping their employees commute to work can email TheRide at commute@TheRide.org.