On Aug. 23, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) will again be implementing service improvements in the urban core of Washtenaw County. In August, 2014, TheRide began implementing its Five-Year Transit Improvement Program (FYTIP), and this August, those efforts will continue to provide riders in the greater Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas with more ways to connect with jobs, schools, medical appointments, recreation, and shopping.
“Having expanded routes means more opportunities for connecting with guests on their way to work,” said Bee Roll, owner of Beezy’s Café in downtown Ypsilanti. Jason Branham, owner/operator of MAIZ Mexican Cantina in Depot Town, noted that improved service will help his employees. “We have several employees who use the bus to come to work and who work late on Saturdays and Sundays. These employees and our business will benefit greatly from the new expanded bus service to Depot Town.”
The improvements include later weekend service on 17 routes, new Sunday service in Ypsilanti on three routes, and a brand new route; 67 Platt–Michigan Avenue, which will connect riders with Meijer on Carpenter Rd. and Walmart in Saline. Rene Greff, co-founder of Arbor Brewing Company, said “Expanded weekend service between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti is great news for workers, visitors, and businesses alike. It literally opens up employment opportunities for retail and restaurant workers who depend on the bus to get to and from work. It also allows visitors to enjoy a leisurely dinner downtown on Friday and Saturday nights.” TheRide’s A-Ride service for seniors and persons with disabilities will also have later service on weekends and its NightRide service will see changes to its service hours.
