INSIDER
In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winter’s challenges
Read full article: In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winter’s challengesThe No. 66 bus rattles just like a regular diesel bus on Chicago's west side, but no one seems to notice the high-pitched whine of the electric motor that makes it go.
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.
Small Detroit business that provides buses has become a target for thieves
Read full article: Small Detroit business that provides buses has become a target for thievesA small business providing buses for tours, weddings, and even rides for school kids to field trips is trying to uplift its west side location on the city’s west side, but it also keeps becoming a target for break-ins.
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.
Bus service suspended for 20 Ann Arbor Public Schools routes due to COVID surge
Read full article: Bus service suspended for 20 Ann Arbor Public Schools routes due to COVID surgeBus service for 20 Ann Arbor Public Schools routes has been suspended because of the labor shortage tied to the latest COVID surge, officials said.
Grosse Ile Township Schools suspends general education transportation after sudden resignation of drivers
Read full article: Grosse Ile Township Schools suspends general education transportation after sudden resignation of driversThe sudden resignation of two bus drivers has forced Grosse Ile Township Schools to eliminate general education transportation to start the year.
United Way, Washtenaw County hosting annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ event in August
Read full article: United Way, Washtenaw County hosting annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ event in AugustBetween August 2-6, United Way and Washtenaw County employees are banding together to collect school supplies for area children in the Washtenaw County Public school district.
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.
Michigan Flyer-AirRide will resume service from Ann Arbor to DTW in April
Read full article: Michigan Flyer-AirRide will resume service from Ann Arbor to DTW in AprilANN ARBOR – Starting on Monday, April 26, Michigan Flyer-AirRide will be restoring its daily service between East Lansing, Brighton, Ann Arbor and Detroit Metro Airport. The restoration is made possible by funding the bus service secured through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. In order to help prevent the risk of person-to-person transmission of the coronavirus, cash payments will not be accepted. If you’re boarding in Ann Arbor, tickets may be purchased with cash inside the Blake Transit Center during business hours. Cleaning and sanitizing buses daily, with special attention to high-touch areas.
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.
Northville Public Schools buses can’t run Monday as drivers quarantine due to COVID exposure
Read full article: Northville Public Schools buses can’t run Monday as drivers quarantine due to COVID exposureNORTHVILLE, Mich. – The Northville Public Schools district did not have enough bus drivers available Monday morning due to COVID-19 exposure that has drivers quarantining. At that time, and in consultation with Durham Transportation, a plan was developed to ensure continuity of operations during this time. The only transportation services available on Monday, October 26, 2020 will be for those students scheduled for door-to-door Special Education transportation. Northville Public Schools will continue to work closely with Durham Transportation to resume K12 transportation as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding in light of this unexpected development resulting from Durham staff quarantines, and additional absences."
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.
DDOT drivers stage work stoppage on Friday over work conditions during COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: DDOT drivers stage work stoppage on Friday over work conditions during COVID-19 pandemicDetroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) drivers staged a work stoppage and said they don’t feel safe on the job due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. READ: DDOT bus service stops due to driver labor disputeDetroit has 228 DDOT buses. The city brought in Police Chief James Craig and the Chief Operating Officer Hakim Berry to negotiate new safety rules that drivers want to see. They also brought out a new safety door to be installed on all DDOT buses. READ: ‘We’re putting it on the line’: DDOT bus drivers want more protection amid COVID-19 pandemic
DDOT bus service stops due to driver labor dispute
Read full article: DDOT bus service stops due to driver labor disputeDDOT bus service stops due to driver labor disputePublished: October 2, 2020, 12:18 pmThe city of Detroit announced Friday morning that there is no bus service due to a driver labor dispute. Drivers walked off the job Friday morning.
DDOT bus service stops due to driver labor dispute
Read full article: DDOT bus service stops due to driver labor disputeDETROIT – The city of Detroit announced Friday morning that there is no bus service due to a driver labor dispute. Here is the statement from the city’s Department of Transportation (DDOT):“The Detroit Department of Transportation is currently undergoing a driver work stoppage due to a labor dispute. At the time being there is no bus service. My men and women are putting it on the line every day,” President of DDOT Union Local 26 Glenn Tolbert said in July. At one point in March, DDOT bus fares were suspended in order to reduce close contact between drivers and passengers
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