The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has shared its latest Citizen Report, which outlines the successes for Fiscal Year 2016 (October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016), including ridership, performance, and financial information. The report also highlights the continued service improvements that TheRide has implemented since citizens of the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township approved a millage to expand public transportation in May of 2014.
In total, TheRide provided 6,572,012 rides as of September 30, 2016. “We are encouraged by the 5 percent increase in overall ridership we are seeing in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. This is a good indication that TheRide’s services are valued in the communities we serve,” said Matt Carpenter, CEO of TheRide.
The ridership increase can be attributed to the Five Year Transit Improvement Plan, which began in August 2014. The plan was approved by voters in May 2014 and was developed with the help of community member participation and input.
“I’m new to the area and I use the weekend service to go to (the) Farmers Market and out to dinner. I would say AAATA has some of the best transit service in the country. The rider tools on TheRide.org are really helpful,” said rider, Jereme Gallier.
TheRide has confirmed 87 percent rider satisfaction in fiscal year 2016, along with being 100 percent accessible for people with disabilities. TheRide prides itself with being environmentally responsible. 100 percent of its buses use biodiesel fuel and 55 percent of the buses are hybrid-electric or low-emission conventional diesel.
TheRide received a clean audit for Fiscal Year 2016, which shows the organization’s dedication to the community. “We are very pleased with the outcome of the audit and how it reflects the financial well-being of the organization, and appreciate the good work that staff does on the financial side,” board member, Mike Allemang said.
TheRide continues its efforts with sustainability, which is an important mission of the organization. In 2016 TheRide achieved Gold Status for sustainability from the American Public Transit Association due to their dedication to sustainability policy.
Looking forward in 2017, TheRide plans additional service improvements. In Fall 2017, TheRide will be introducing a shared-ride pilot service in southern Ypsilanti Township to improve connections to Route 46 – Huron – Textile at Paint Creek Shopping Center, as well as a new express service between Ypsilanti Township and Ann Arbor.
View the full Citizen Report at http://www.masstransitmag.com/12311759
