Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority’s (TheRide) mileage request to expand and improve transit service was approved by the majority of voters, with 61 percent voting in agreement.
“We’re thrilled that the millage passed, and we thank the citizens of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township for their support and understanding of the value of public transit in our community. We now begin the work to set plans in place for 2024,” said TheRide CEO Matt Carpenter.
Though approved now, the new 2.38 million property tax and services will not go into effect until 2024. TheRide’s millage helps increase equity within the community and provide more access to jobs, education, shopping and healthcare.
“Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the voters of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township who supported our vision for the future of public transit in Washtenaw County,” said Eric Mahler, chair, TheRide Board of Directors. “TheRide will work tirelessly to execute our long-range plan to bring the services this region needs to continue be one of the most vital and livable counties in Michigan.”
TheRide’s plan for the next millage includes:
- Maintaining current service: Continue providing essential transportation service in the greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area.
- Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Express Route: Limited-stop express route along Washtenaw Ave. decreasing travel time by 30 percent.
- Increased frequency of service: More buses on the weekends, increasing all 60-minute service to every 30 minutes.
- Longer hours of service: Earlier Saturday service and consistently longer hours of operation on both weekday and weekend evenings.
- Expanded overnight service: Add overnight and holiday service and expand NightRide to all of the city of Ypsilanti, all of Ypsilanti Twp north of Textile Road.
- Customer service agents at the Ypsilanti Transit Center: In-person agents and office improvements at Ypsilanti Transit Center allowing ticket sales and in-person customer service.
- Capital improvements: Capital fund for future projects such as terminals, BRT, zero-emission buses, garage, etc.
To learn more about the plans that will go into effect in 2024, visit TheRideYourWay.org.
