Why does AATA have a downtown transit center?

The basic structure of AATA’s routes is a pulsing radial system with coordinated transfers.  Most routes converge at the transit center in downtown Ann Arbor, with buses from most routes scheduled to meet at the same time.  Some type of radial route design is used in nearly all U.S. cities under 400,000  population because it distributes trips efficiently and allows a passenger to get between any two points in the system with no more than one single coordinated transfer between buses.

AATA’s pulsing radial system design means a person can get from nearly anywhere in Ann Arbor to anywhere else in the city in no more than 45 minutes. This is true even on evenings and weekends when most routes operate once every 60 minutes. 

A primary mission of the AATA has been to provide bus service for people who don’t drive (youths, seniors, people with disabilities and low-income persons, etc). The ability to travel throughout the community is very important for people who depend upon transit as their primary transportation, and transit service needs to be comprehensive for them to travel to and from work, school, medical appointments, shopping and many other activities. For people who rely on transit, service is needed throughout the area and at a broad range of times. A pulsing radial route design does this best in a small or medium-sized city.

Why is downtown the best place for AATA’s   transit center?

The street system in most of Ann Arbor radiates from downtown. Downtown Ann Arbor is the largest single destination for transit trips for those who ride AATA. More than 5,000 people per weekday get off their bus at the Blake Transit Center. Many are transferring between buses, but about 2,500 people a day get off the bus and walk to their final destination downtown or the nearby campus area.

With the current pulsing radial system using downtown as the hub, a passenger can get to and from downtown from anywhere in Ann Arbor. This supports downtown’s high density employment, the concentration of services and government functions in the area, and the long-term goal of increasing the number of people who choose to live downtown.

Would it make sense to have multiple small transit centers, rather than one in downtown Ann Arbor?

Yes, and AATA already has multiple transfer locations. AATA has a transit center in downtown Ypsilanti and the local routes there service the Ypsilanti area and converge on this center for coordinated transfers. In addition, AATA routes in the areas of Meijer, the Green Road Park & Ride Lot, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and the VA Medical Center are designed to meet to facilitate transfers in those areas. Coordinating service at these locations provides options for more efficient travel on AATA’s system, but they do not eliminate the need for a central transit center downtown.

Why does  AATA want to demolish and rebuild the Blake Transit Center (BTC)?

Since the BTC was constructed in 1987, ridership has almost doubled, so more demand has been placed on the facility by a growing number of passengers and employees.  More than 5,000 passengers use the BTC to get to their downtown destinations or to transfer to other bus routes every day – that’s more than 1.5 million each year, or almost 35,000,000 since the BTC was constructed. The number of buses serving the BTC has increased  to 36 buses every hour.  AATA has outgrown the current BTC facility, and the long term prediction is that bus use will only continue to increase.

An engineering firm was hired to do a thorough evaluation of the condition of the BTC, make recommendations as to the degree of work needed to address AATA’s present and future needs, and the costs to make upgrades or rebuild the structure. The extent of the repairs needed, combined with the expected use long term, indicated that the demolition of the structure and construction of a new and larger facility was the best long-term solution.  The rebuilding of the BTC is part of AATA’s plan to prepare itself for the future.

What is wrong with the current 22-year-old building?

The ravages of time and weather have taken their toll on the concrete pavement, structural columns, roofing and storm water catch basin. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment is well beyond its life expectancy and a new fire suppression system is needed.  The BTC also needs upgrading to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  The current building does not allow for expansion to meet growing needs, nor does it provide AATA with alternate meeting areas to better engage the public.

Why is it important to keep the transit center in the same location?

From a transit system point of view, the best location for a pulsing radial system is one where buses can get in and out easily and which is centrally located for riders with destinations in the area. The current location is good in both of these respects.  Rebuilding in the same location will also eliminate the cost of purchasing another piece of property in the downtown area.

What amenities will be included in the design of the new facility?

The new transit center will be designed  to take maximum advantage of the present site, incorporate environmentally friendly concepts,  include all functional areas now provided by the current facility, add additional space for new uses, and be flexible in order to take advantage of possible opportunities for future expansion. The building will be designed to include an interactive public lobby/waiting room with a capacity of 60-75 people, information kiosks, a possible concession space, expanded public and employee restrooms, a public meeting room accommodating 60-75 guests, a computer room, an improved employee lounge and additional  storage space.

How much will it cost to rebuild the BTC?

The estimated cost to demolish and rebuild the BTC and a new canopy, install a new storm drainage system and replace the existing driveway is between $2,758,500 and $3,757,000.

How will AATA pay for the rebuild of the Blake Transit Center, and why now?

AATA has applied for and been approved for state and federal funds for several years, to be used toward the replacement and expansion of the BTC.  Time is now working against the Authority, and much of the approved funds must be used soon or risk being lost to our community. 

Can the money be used to pay for operating service to communities that cannot afford to continue funding the service?

As much as AATA would like to use funds to help surrounding communities maintain or even improve their transit service, the approved federal and state money is designated as capital funding, earmarked specifically for the construction or remodeling of a downtown transit center. Capital funds can only be used for capital expenditures (like facilities or buses) and cannot be used to directly operate bus service. Only operating funds can be used toward bus service.