ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Users of TheRide can make their voices heard regarding potential fare changes coming to the Tree Town public transportation system.
The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is asking for public feedback on its Fare Proposal, which outlines future fare changes for different passes and services.
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Through the proposal base fare for fixed-route bus rides would stay the same, but fares for unlimited ride 1-day passes, 30-day passes and FlexRide services would drop, officials said in a release.
Fares for GoldRide Premium services would increase but so would the areas it serves, becoming available to users within three-quarters of a mile of fixed bus routes in the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and Pittsfield and Ypsilanti Townships.
An expanded GoldRide Premium services map can be found here.
Fixed-route fare changes will take effect in January 2022 while GoldRide changes will begin on Sunday, August 29, officials said.
Here’s a quick look at price changes:
| Fixed Route Period Pass | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| Day pass | $4.50 | $3 |
| Reduced day pass | Not offered | $1.50 |
| 30-day pass | $58 | $45 |
| Reduced 30-day pass | $29 | $22.50 |
| GoldRide Demand Response Ride Type | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| One-way trip | $3 for advance reservation, $4 for same day | $20 |
| Additional passenger | $3 per adult, $1.50 per youth | $5 |
| Low-income reduced fare | Not offered | $5 |
Additional changes in the proposal include free transfers from FlexRide-East and FlexRide-West service changes to fixed-route buses and the removal of a $2 surcharge to travel between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti using the FlexRide Night/Holiday service.
Public comment and feedback on the Fare Proposal are being accepted until Wednesday, July 7.
Submit feedback through an online form, at a virtual public engagement meeting, by sending mail to TheRide’s office on South Industrial Highway, by calling 734-794-1880 or by sending an email to planning@TheRide.org with the subject line “Fare Proposal.”
TheRide’s Board of Directors will review community feedback and “take action on the proposal at its July and September board meetings,” officials said.
The transportation authority will also share the final version of its Service Recovery Plan, which outlines the organization’s return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic service levels. Changes laid out in the recovery plan will begin Sunday, August 29.
Hour-long public town hall meetings will be held at:
- 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15
- Noon on Wednesday, June 16
- Noon on Thursday, June 17
- Noon on Tuesday, June 22
- 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23
- 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 24
The virtual meetings will be hosted on Zoom and can by phone and computer. Find out how to participate at TheRide.org or by calling 734-996-0400.
The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority is at 2700 S. Industrial Highway.