To apply for A-Ride, please download and fill out the A-Ride application. You may also have an application mailed to your home address. Send us an email to request a hard copy application.
Please return your completed application to the following address:
A-Ride Eligibility Determinations
2700 S. Industrial Hwy.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
A determination will be made within 21 days of receiving your completed application. You will receive a decision letter in the mail.
You may request the application in an alternative format, such as large print or audio. These formats are provided to help people with vision disabilities understand the application requirements. Your A-Ride application must be submitted in a written format. Someone may help you fill out the application form, but please provide their name in the designated space on the application.
We may ask you to come into our office for an in-person interview to further review your application. If this happens, we will provide a trip to and from your interview free of charge. Please do not miss your interview date. We cannot approve your application if you do not appear. Bring any documentation you want considered as part of the eligibility decision.
In order to be eligible for our A-Ride service, you must explain why you are functionally unable to use TheRide’s regular fixed-route bus services. Please make sure that the application is complete. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant. If any information is not true or misrepresents the facts, your application will be ineligible.
If the effects of your disability do not prevent you from riding the regular bus, you may still be eligible for TheRide's Fare Deal program.
Conditional eligibility means you are able to use TheRide’s regular fixed-route bus service for some trips, but may require A-Ride for other trips, or in special circumstances. Your eligibility will be determined on a trip-by-trip basis based on your ability to use fixed-route buses for a particular trip.
Unconditional eligibility means TheRide has determined you are functionally unable to independently use regular fixed-route service in any circumstance.
You may be given temporary eligibility if your disability is expected to last at least six months. Temporary eligibility lasts for the expected term of your disability, or no longer than 12 months. After the 12-month period, you will need to reapply for A-Ride service.
If you are eligible for ADA paratransit services under another agency or are a person with a disability and are visiting the Ann Arbor area, you may use A-Ride for up to 21 days within a one year period. If you do not have documentation of your ADA paratransit eligibility, then you will need to complete an A-Ride application. To apply for visitor eligibility, contact A-Ride prior to your visit or as soon as possible by sending us an email or calling 734-973-6500.
If you do not agree with a decision made by TheRide regarding your A-Ride eligibility, you may appeal the decision in writing. Appeals processes are carried out in accordance with the ADA regulations. For more information, call TheRide at 734-973-6500, or send us an email.