At its September meeting, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) Board unanimously approved a $40.0 million operating budget for the transit agency’s Fiscal Year 2015-16, which runs from Oct.1, through Sept. 30, 2016.
“The fiscal year 2016 operating budget reflects a balanced budget, and marks the continuation of transformative public transportation improvements that improve our community,” said AAATA Board Chair Charles Griffith. “The Board applauds TheRide’s staff for continuing to focus on strong fiscal stewardship, efficient use of taxpayer resources, and delivery of quality service to meet the needs of our customers.”
The FY 2016 operating budget reflects the financial and human resources necessary to operate the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, and includes the continued implementation of new services of the Five-Year Transit Improvement Program (5YTIP).
FY2015-16 budget highlights
- Implementation of the second year (Aug. 23) and third year (May 1) services in the Urban Core Five-Year Transit Improvement Program.
- The second year of the 5YTIP (Aug. 23) includes an additional 40.5 fixed route service hours on each weekday. Weekly service hours will increase 7.8 percent from 4,274 to 4,573 hours.
- The third year of the 5YTIP (May 1,) will increase fixed route weekly service hours by 14.8 percent from 4,573 to 5,250.
- Meeting increased peak bus requirements; 69 in August, 2014, 71 in August, 2015, 80 in May, 2016.
- Extending A-Ride and GoldRide service hours to match the extended fixed route service hours and new A-Ride service area due to the new route #67 into Pittsfield Township.
- Adding two call-takers/information specialists, a vehicle mechanic and three service crew (one on April 1) to support the increase in services and vehicles.
- AirRide, ExpressRide, MyRide and VanRide Services will continue at the same level of service.
- TheRide will be providing an additional 31,700 local fixed route services hours (14.4 percent).
