Chris White, the manager of service development of The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has retired, effective June 14, 2017.
White began working with TheRide in 1980 and served as the Planning Coordinator from 1980-1985 until he began his current role of manager of service development.
During White’s 37 years with the organization, he was an ambassador for the community, playing a significant role for nearly every service improvement for the organization. He spearheaded a number of initiatives including the launch of the NightRide service, Good as Gold program (which later became GoldRide), was involved in creating the M-Ride and getDowntown programs, helped establish a number of convenient park and ride locations throughout the community and helped design and introduce one of the most significant services for seniors and people with disabilities, A-Ride demand-response service. White also served as the expert of grant funding and played a large role in the planning of TheRide’s fixed-route system, and the Five-Year Transportation Improvement Plan, which the citizens of the community approved a millage for in 2014.
“Chris has been a part of all service improvements, big or small since 1985. His knowledge, expertise and leadership to the organization will be greatly missed. We thank him for his continued dedication to the organization and to the community,” TheRide CEO Matt Carpenter said.
“For all of these years, it has been a great pleasure to work with the staff at TheRide to provide transit services that make a real difference in our community,” White said.