Effective Monday, January 29, 2018, The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, is implementing new Route 81 — Ypsilanti Township Express, which serves commuters traveling between Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor.
The Ypsilanti Township Express Route is the final service improvement promised to be implemented as part of the 2014 Public Transportation Improvement millage. Thanks to the voters in the cities of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Ypsilanti Charter Township, TheRide has improved access to neighborhoods and job centers and expanded services for seniors and people with disabilities. Since August 2014, TheRide has implemented more convenient and direct service throughout the greater Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area including; operating service later on weekdays until 11:00 p.m. on most routes, until 10:45 p.m. on Saturdays and 7:45 p.m. on Sundays.
The new Route 81 — Ypsilanti Township Express will offer two non-stop rush hour trips every weekday morning and afternoon between Ypsilanti Township and Ann Arbor. Ypsilanti area residents can connect to downtown Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan Central and Medical Campuses. The route has fewer bus stops and less stopping means a faster ride to provide better access to destinations and transfer points. To avoid parking fees and hassles there is designated free parking available at the Shell Gas Station on Joe Hall Drive at Huron Street.
The promotional fare to take the new Route 81 is only $1.50 each way. During this promotional period, TheRide fixed route 30-Day passes and reduced fares for those who qualify will be accepted. Valid go!Passes and yellow U of M issued MCards will also be accepted. The fares for go!Passes are covered by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and participating downtown employers and the fares for MCards are paid for by the University of Michigan. During this promotion, standard fixed route transfer policies apply.
“TheRide is dedicated to getting more people to more places in our community. The new Ypsilanti Township Express Route makes it easier for commuters traveling from Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor to get to work. They can now save money getting to work and avoid the hassle of parking. We thank everyone who approved the 2014 Transportation Improvement millage, which made it possible for this route to be developed, along with all of the other improvements over the past four years,” Mary Stasiak, community relations manager for TheRide said.
TheRide’s pilot service, FlexRide debuted in September and offers a connection from Ypsilanti Township to Route 46. Beginning January 29, riders can try this service for free by using a coupon code.
