ANN ARBOR, MI – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has announced it’s seeking the community’s feedback on proposed service changes that will go into effect in August 2024 as part of its Long-Range Plan and Millage approved in 2022. Feedback will be accepted October 23 – November 23, 2023.
 
“TheRide has been working hard to finalize the proposed service changes that our community approved in 2022,” said Forest Yang, Deputy CEO of Planning & Innovation at TheRide. “We’re excited to bring improved service to our community and we encourage the public to learn about the proposed changes and provide our feedback.”
 
The proposed service updates include:

• A new limited-stop express bus route between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti along Washtenaw Avenue operating Monday – Friday. 
  • Service will operate every 30 minutes, making four stops between Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor.
  • Express service may begin operation as early as April 2024.
• Weekdays:
  • Extended hours of fixed-route bus service: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (first/last departures).
  • Routes affected: 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 62, 66, 68.
• Saturdays: 
  • Extended hours of fixed-route bus service: 7:00 a.m. – 11:50 p.m. (first/last departures).
  • 30-minute frequency from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • 60-minute frequency after 6:00 p.m.
  • Routes affected: 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 66.
• Sundays:
  • Extended hours of fixed-route bus service: 8:00 a.m. – 9:45 p.m. (first/last departures).
  • 30-minute frequency from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • 60-minute frequency after 6:00 p.m.
  • Routes affected: 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47.
• Adjustments to routings or timings: 
  • Fixed-routes: 4, 6, 24, 43.
• FlexRide Late Night & Holiday Service: 
  • Expanded service to include all of Ypsilanti City and Ypsilanti Township, north of Textile Road, to match the fixed-route bus service area.
  • Extended hours of service to complement new fixed-route hours of service.
  • Additional vehicles to reduce wait times.

Feedback on TheRide’s proposed service changes is being accepted October 23 – November 23, 2023. There are many ways to provide your feedback on the policy updates:

• Attend a virtual meeting
• Attend an in-person meeting
• Visit: bit.ly/TheRideService2024
• Email: Planning@TheRide.org
• Call: 734-794-1882
• Mail: 
  • AAATA
  • c/o August 2024 Proposed Millage Changes
  • 2700 S. Industrial Hwy.
  • Ann Arbor, MI 48104

The public is invited to learn about the proposed service changes at a series of public and virtual meetings:
 
Virtual meetings will be held via Zoom at the following times:
November 8, 12 – 1pm
November 9, 7 – 8pm

In-person meetings/drop-in sessions will be held at the following locations: 

November 14, 2 – 6pm at the Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker
November 15, 2 – 6pm at the Blake Transit Center
November 16, 2 – 6pm at the Ypsilanti Transit Center
 
To learn more about the proposed service changes visit: bit.ly/TheRideService2024

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, TheRide continues to enforce the established preventive measures to keep both riders and drivers safe: 

• Customers are encouraged to wear a face mask, but not required
• The driver is to be approached for emergencies only.
• Buses are cleaned with CDC-recommended protocols.
• Plastic barriers are added to separate drivers and riders on fixed-route buses.
• Sanitation supplies are provided to employees.
• Masks, gloves and face shields are provided for drivers’ use.
• Lost and Found collection has been temporarily suspended.

The latest information on TheRide’s routes, schedules and detours is available at TheRide.org or 734-996-0400.