INSIDER
Ann Arbor’s TheRide awarded $25M to reduce carbon emissions
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide awarded $25M to reduce carbon emissionsOfficials said the money will support efforts to reduce TheRide’s overall carbon emissions by replacing diesel-fueled buses with low-emission diesel electric hybrid buses.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide aims to reduce carbon footprint with new program
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide aims to reduce carbon footprint with new programA new zero-emissions initiative will help the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) reach its goals of reducing its carbon footprint in the years ahead.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide receives $7M for Ypsilanti Transit Center expansion project
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide receives $7M for Ypsilanti Transit Center expansion projectFederal funding will be put towards the construction of an improved and expanded transportation center, which is expected to break ground in 2026.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide awarded $2.1M for express bus service program slated for 2024
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide awarded $2.1M for express bus service program slated for 2024TheRide competed against other regional transit agencies that submitted projects designed to help with carbon reduction.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide releases Thanksgiving transit schedule
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide releases Thanksgiving transit scheduleBuses and select services from the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, TheRide, will not be operating on their normal fixed routes in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide drops mask requirement
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide drops mask requirementOn Tuesday, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide), dropped its mask requirement after the Transportation Security Administration announced it would stop enforcing a federal mask mandate.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide receives $300K as first step of Ypsilanti Transit Center expansion
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide receives $300K as first step of Ypsilanti Transit Center expansionThe Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has announced it will receive $300,000 as part of a $16 million plan to expand the Ypsilanti Transit Center.
TheRide announces winter schedule starting January 30
Read full article: TheRide announces winter schedule starting January 30“Updates to service have been made to improve on-time performance and service reliability, and to better align with school start and end times," TheRide officials said in an email.
Workforce shortage forces Ann Arbor’s TheRide to reduce transportation services
Read full article: Workforce shortage forces Ann Arbor’s TheRide to reduce transportation servicesStarting Thursday, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is reducing bus services on select routes and suspending route 68.
More riders return as TheRide lifts capacity limits for Ann Arbor area buses
Read full article: More riders return as TheRide lifts capacity limits for Ann Arbor area busesCommunity members venturing out of their homes can now use buses from the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) for non-essential trips.
Fare reductions among changes proposed by Ann Arbor’s TheRide
Read full article: Fare reductions among changes proposed by Ann Arbor’s TheRideThe 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.
Help The Ride determine next 25 years of public transportation around Ann Arbor
Read full article: Help The Ride determine next 25 years of public transportation around Ann ArborMembers will represent the community and give their input on the challenges and solutions faced by TheRide 2045, the public transit system’s long-range planning project.
TheRide to host public meetings on new transportation proposal
Read full article: TheRide to host public meetings on new transportation proposalANN ARBOR, Mich. – On Monday, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) will host the first of several virtual meetings to talk to the public about its new service plan. Starting in August, the plan will affect all of TheRide’s bus routes as well as its A-Ride, GoldRide, FlexRide and Night/Holiday services. Changes presented by the proposal include reinstating some routes, adding select weekend services, revising routes to serve different areas and eliminating route variations. Meetings for public feedback will be held this week at noon on Monday and Wednesday, and at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Additional meetings will be at 6 p.m. on March 30, noon on March 31 and at 6 p.m. on April 1.
TheRide, Washtenaw County partner to provide shuttles to mass COVID vaccination site
Read full article: TheRide, Washtenaw County partner to provide shuttles to mass COVID vaccination siteANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has partnered with the Washtenaw County Health Department to provide transportation to and from the county’s mass COVID vaccination site at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center. Service began on Wednesday and anyone who has a scheduled appointment at the EMU site can use the shuttles. “This is an important step in making our mass vaccination site at EMU more accessible. We’re thankful to the TheRide for working with us to provide transportation at no cost to riders,” Loveluck said in a news release. The shuttles operate every 30 minutesThe shuttles are limited to 20 individuals per vehicle.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide is hiring full time service crew members
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide is hiring full time service crew membersANN ARBOR, Mich. – Interested in working with public transportation? The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is looking to add three new, full-time members to its service crew. New service crew members will work afternoon shifts with hours between 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and on weekends, according to the job posting. During their training, members will be paid $17.74 per hour. After training, members will receive hourly pay of $21.29, which will increase to $24.60 after one year of employment.
Downtown area associations join annual challenge to encourage people to visit Ann Arbor in January
Read full article: Downtown area associations join annual challenge to encourage people to visit Ann Arbor in JanuaryANN ARBOR – Downtown area associations have joined an annual campaign to encourage visitors to continue shopping and dining in the city throughout the month of January. Typically a slow time of year for business, the pandemic has only exacerbated the lack of customers at local establishments. The Main Street Area Association, State Street District, Kerrytown District Association, and South University Area Association have partnered with the getDowntown Program for “Conquer the Cold - Pandemic Edition.”The annual challenge by getDowntown -- in partnership with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide), the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and the City of Ann Arbor -- is designed to encourage and educate commuters to use alternative modes of transportation during the cold winter months. Many restaurants will be participating in the Comfort Food Challenge, and users can get prizes for dining outdoors, ordering curbside and shopping downtown. “The Downtown Districts are excited to be partnering with GetDowntown for Conquer the Cold this year,” Sandra Andrade, executive director of the Main Street Area Association said in a statement.
TheRide will restore service in Ypsilanti, improve several routes starting Jan. 17
Read full article: TheRide will restore service in Ypsilanti, improve several routes starting Jan. 17ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) announced it is updating its Temporary Service Plan to include restoring service in Ypsilanti and to improve on-time performance on a number of routes starting on Jan. 17. Route 22Adjust routing headed to the Blake Transit Center from the Glen Ave/Fuller Rd area to Beakes Ave and Fifth Ave to serve Kerrytown. Route 23Adjust routing in downtown Ann Arbor from William St to Washington St and Thayer St to reach the U-M Central Campus Center. Service to U-M Central Campus will be provided via Route 23. Route 26Move boarding location at the Blake Transit Center from Fourth Ave. to the transit mall.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide announces holiday schedule changes
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide announces holiday schedule changesANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority announced it will not operate its services on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, 2021 in observance of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Fixed-route bus service will end early on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31). The shared-ride FlexRide Holiday Service is $5 per person on holidays and operates within designated areas of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Reservations can be made Monday through Friday and stop at 5:15 a.m. or 5 a.m. for trips outside of Ann Arbor. On Saturday and Sunday, reservations can be made until 6:15 a.m. or 6 a.m. for trips outside of Ann Arbor.
TheRide announces Thanksgiving service changes
Read full article: TheRide announces Thanksgiving service changesANN ARBOR, Mich. – On Thursday, Nov. 26, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) will not offer any of its fixed-route bus service, FlexRide East/West or A-Ride services during the Thanksgiving holiday. Community members needing to get around that Thursday can use TheRide’s FlexRide Holiday Service -- a shared-ride service that operates on designated holidays. The holiday service will operate from 6 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26. Trips can be taken to designated areas in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti andFind designated FlexRide Holiday Service areas here. TheRide does not operate service on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide to start restoring service in November
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide to start restoring service in NovemberANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority has announced that it will begin restoring service next month after implementing its Temporary Service Plan in August. According to TheRide, the service updates that begin Sunday, Nov, 22 include:Route 22: The boarding location at the Blake Transit Center will be relocated. Route 25: The route that starts at the Blake Transit Center will be adjusted to serve Target on Waters Rd. FlexRide-East: Weekend service is being added to the FlexRide-East service area in Ypsilanti Township. “We continue to take a very cautious approach to adding back service,” Bryan D. Smith, Deputy CEO of Operations at TheRide said in a statement.
Take a virtual tour of TheRide’s new replacement bus
Read full article: Take a virtual tour of TheRide’s new replacement busANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is getting eight replacement buses for its fleet. The first of the new buses has arrived and TheRide is inviting the Ann Arbor community to give feedback on what they like and don’t like about the new bus. Manufactured by Nova Bus, each new bus has larger windows, a back window, more spacious seating, a designated stroller area, floor markings, full-sized windows on the rear doors and antimicrobial seats. The replacement buses include USB charging ports, push buttons instead of pull cords, internal and external security cameras and destination headsigns. Riders will notice that the bodies of the Nova Bus buses have been designed to reflect the TheRide logo and have large front windshields and front-side windows.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide launches contactless ticketing app
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide launches contactless ticketing appANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) announced this week that it has launched a new contactless mobile ticketing app called EZfare to make riding public transit more convenient and safer amid the global health crisis. TheRide joins 13 other transit agencies from around the Midwest that use the mobile payment system which is powered by service provider Masabi. EZfare is now the largest mobile ticketing platform in the country. Users can download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play. The app operates as a Ticket Wallet and upon boarding, users simply have to show the driver their active ticket on their phone screen.
Ann Arbors TheRide: No service on Labor Day
Read full article: Ann Arbors TheRide: No service on Labor DayANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority has announced it will be suspending services on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day. For those needing transportation, the FlexRide and the FlexRide Night and Holiday services will be available. The FlexRide service will work from 6 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. on Labor Day. Reservations for the Late Night and Holiday Service can be made by calling 734-528-5432 or through the MODE Car application. The FlexRide Late Night and Holiday Service costs $5 per person.
Ann Arbors TheRide to start new temporary routes Sunday
Read full article: Ann Arbors TheRide to start new temporary routes SundayANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) will start its new temporary route plan on Sunday. TheRide also expanded its FlexRide services to work in areas that are not covered by the new plan. To aid in efforts curbing the spread of COVID-19, TheRide announced that it has not printed Ride Guides for the temporary plan. Individual route pages are available by request at the Blake Transit Center and the TheRides main office at 2700 S. Industrial Hwy. Over the course of August, TheRide held a series of virtual meetings discussing the changes The temporary route network was announced in July.
Public invited to Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority budget proposal meeting Thursday
Read full article: Public invited to Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority budget proposal meeting ThursdayANN ARBOR, Mich. The public is encouraged to provide comments on Thursday during the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) 2021 budget proposal meeting. The budget meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and will be held over Zoom. The Fiscal Year 2021 budget also preserves TheRides financial sustainability to ensure capacity to re-emerge from the pandemic. Like what youre reading? The Fiscal Year 2021 budget will be formally adopted in a September meeting by TheRide board of directors. The transportation systems 2021 fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2021.
Ann Arbors TheRide to host virtual public town hall meetings starting Tuesday
Read full article: Ann Arbors TheRide to host virtual public town hall meetings starting TuesdayANN ARBOR, Mich. On Tuesday, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) will kick off a month-long series of virtual public town hall meetings to discuss temporary changes in services that begin Aug. 30. In June, TheRide announced a series of temporary service changes, including a revised network of bus routes and increased frequency of buses on busy routes. The revised routes are designed to prioritize essential destinations so as to reflect realities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual town hall meetings will take place at the following times:Noon -- Aug. 46 p.m. -- Aug. 6Noon -- Aug. 116 p.m. -- Aug. 13Noon -- Aug. 186 p.m. -- Aug. 19Noon -- Aug. 20Find the temporary service change presentation and summary here. Those who cannot attend the meetings can comment here or by sending an email to planning@theride.org, calling (734) 794-1882 or by mailing a letter to Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority.
TheRide to introduce reorganized routes, increases in services Aug. 30
Read full article: TheRide to introduce reorganized routes, increases in services Aug. 30ANN ARBOR A network of reorganized routes and an increase in services are a few of the changes coming to public transportation in Ann Arbor. In areas where fixed routes buses will not be going, TheRide is offering on-demand FlexRide services. Routes 30, 32, 42, 46 and 65 will change their names. Meetings will be at noon on Aug. 4, Aug. 11, Aug. 18 and Aug. 20. There will also be evenings meetings at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6, Aug. 13 and Aug. 19.
Ann Arbors TheRide to resume collecting fares Aug. 2
Read full article: Ann Arbors TheRide to resume collecting fares Aug. 2ANN ARBOR, Mich. After suspending fare collection in mid-March, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority announced that it will resume collecting fares from passengers on Aug. 2. Tokens and 30-day passes will be available at certain Bank of Ann Arbor locations. Passes and A-Ride Scrip coupons will be available online on Aug. 1. Changes have been made to how TheRide passengers can pay their fares. Learn about health and safety precautions being taken by TheRide at www.theride.orgRelated: Ann Arbors TheRide urges businesses to flatten the rush-hour curve
Ann Arbors TheRide urges businesses to flatten the rush-hour curve
Read full article: Ann Arbors TheRide urges businesses to flatten the rush-hour curveANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is urging businesses and community members to help flatten the rush-hour curve of commuting-related crowding as more workers return to using public transportation. So that services are not overwhelmed, TheRide has made recommendations in order to reduce commute gridlock and to encourage social distancing, which will become increasingly more difficult as students return to Ann Arbor in the fall . The preventative measures are intended to keep commuters safe and to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Safety has always been our number one priority and we are committed to doing our part in this pandemic, said Matt Carpenter, CEO at TheRide in a statement. As more businesses and schools reopen, we know more people will need to use our service.
Ann Arbors TheRide: No service on Memorial Day
Read full article: Ann Arbors TheRide: No service on Memorial DayANN ARBOR The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority has announced it will be suspending services on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial DayTheRides reduced routes will resume on Tuesday, May 26. Due to safety concerns, the Blake Transit Center in Ann Arbor and the Ypsilanti Transit Centers as well as TheRides main office at 2700 S. Industrial Highway will remain closed until further notice. On April 30, TheRide announced plans to lay off 42 employees in order to avoid insolvency. The move came after the agency reduced routes by 70% and put measures in place like free rides and a cap on passengers to keep riders and drivers safe. This helps prevent spreading your illness to othersCover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezingWash your hands often to help keep germs away.
TheRide announces increased social distancing on buses over coronavirus fears
Read full article: TheRide announces increased social distancing on buses over coronavirus fearsANN ARBOR – TheRide has announced new social distancing measures in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. From signs to keep riders separated to a maximum capacity of 15 riders, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority is taking extra precautions to keep its riders and drivers safe. The new measures include:Signs to keep riders 6 feet from each other are on bus seats, on benches, buildings and shelters at Transit CentersA yellow line on the bus floor marks 6 feet between the driver and ridersEach bus is now at full capacity when 15 riders have boarded. ✉ Like what you’re reading? Sign up for our email newsletter here!
TheRide seeks public input for its long-range transit plan in Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area
Read full article: TheRide seeks public input for its long-range transit plan in Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area(Credit: Meredith Bruckner)ANN ARBOR - The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, or TheRide, is seeking community input to help shape the future of its long-range public transportation plan, which is now in development. According to TheRide, the long-range public transportation plan in the greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area will use public input to:Create a vision for public transit in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti areaGuide and prioritize investments for the public transit network in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti areaCreate a disciplined approach to achieve the goals outlined by TheRide's board of directorsCoordinate efforts with other transportation projects and plans throughout the regionTheRide is hosting a series of public meetings through Nov. 11. "This input, along with feedback from key stakeholders, will be used to shape future public transit services." What role do you see innovation and technology having in changing your interaction with public transit? All About Ann Arbor is powered by ClickOnDetroit/WDIV.