Countywide Transit Master Plan
While our efforts to extend the benefits of transit to a greater number of Washtenaw County residents have been redirected towards an urban core network, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority will continue discussions with elected representatives and leaders from Washtenaw County’s urban core communities that remain interested in developing an expanded transit network.

AATA Ridership is at an all-time high and access to public transportation throughout Washtenaw County is a high priority for our region’s economic vitality and growth. Public transit enjoys broad support in Washtenaw County, and we are committed to working with all communities here that remain interested in participating in an expanded transit network.

Initially, AATA will focus on urban core communities that have expressed a strong interest in being part of a regional transit network:

AATA will also review existing services and costs to ensure that its history of strong fiscal stewardship is not disrupted. This review will determine the feasibility of continuing to provide the services implemented as part of AATA’s initial investment under its Five-Year Transit Plan.

Blake Transit Center
Good news! More people in our community are finding public transportation to be a convenient and affordable option for getting to and from the places where they live, work, and play. Since 1987, ridership on our buses has increased more than 60%. With that, comes the need to make service and facility improvements that meet new demands. With over 5,000 passengers now arriving and departing daily through the Blake Transit Center (BTC), a new facility is being built to better accommodate our riders – especially those who use the BTC to reach downtown Ann Arbor destinations or transfer between buses. Estimated completion date for the new facility is fall, 2013.

Ann Arbor Connector Feasibility Study
The Ann Arbor Connector Feasibility Study was completed in 2011. It was a joint project of TheRide, University of Michigan, City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority. It determined that a high-capacity transit line connecting major trip generators in Ann Arbor was feasible, and identified possible modes, including modern streetcar, light rail, bus rapid transit, monorail. Beginning in October, 2012, the same partners are beginning the next phase, an alternatives analysis, which will determine alignments, station locations, and environmental considerations. The alternatives analysis will conclude in February 2014 with the determination of a locally preferred mode. Read the Ann Arbor Connector Feasibility Study Final Report here.

WALLY
WALLY is a proposed commuter rail service between Ann Arbor and Howell. The name is an acronym for the Washtenaw and Livingston Line. The end points for the service (Ann Arbor and Howell) are located in Washtenaw and Livingston counties, respectively.

Ann Arbor to Detroit Rail
A proposed commuter rail service in the Detroit-Ann Arbor corridor with stops in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Dearborn, and Detroit. The project takes advantage of existing infrastructure where possible and requires adding new station stops in Ypsilanti and at Detroit Metro Airport.

ReImagine Washtenaw
A corridor that supports a high quality of life with walkable shopping options, housing choices, efficient transit service, great public spaces, bike paths, and access to educational, cultural and employment centers. Implementation is already underway with improvements at Arbor Hills shopping center and at the US -23 interchange. You’re already seeing the vision take shape, and there’s more to come!

Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
What is it?
In late-2012, the Michigan legislature created a new Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in Southeastern Michigan through PA 387, after dozens of attempts over the past 40 years. By law, the RTA area includes Washtenaw County as well as Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb. The RTA has been charged with developing “rolling rapid transit” in the four counties and to coordinate regional services.

Many details are still in development. AATA's board and staff are working closely with the City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and community members; as well as RTA board members and staff on the excellent transit service in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County and Southeastern Michigan.

Who represents us?
The ten member RTA board consists of two representatives appointed by each county, one representative appointed by the mayor of Detroit, and one non-voting chair appointed by the Governor. The first RTA Board meeting will be held in April 2013.

Washtenaw County’s two board members are:

How can I get involved?
Many details of the RTA are still in development. The RTA board will have its first meeting in April 2013 (details TBD) and must establish a Citizen’s Advisory Committee as required by PA 387.

In the meantime, AATA staff are happy to answer questions: spressprich@theride.org

Shanelle Jackson, RTA Director of Outreach and Strategic Relations, is actively seeking rider and community input. She can be contacted at jacksons3@michigan.gov.

Washtenaw County’s RTA Board representatives can be contacted here:

What will happen to the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority?
AATA has built a robust local transit system due to the consistent support from the citizens of Ann Arbor and other local communities, and will continue to run local transit services in the Ann Arbor area, and coordinate with the RTA on regional services. Local and federal formula funds will continue to be allocated to AATA. AATA will also continue to receive its full share of State Operating and Federal Discretionary funds and are developing administrative details with the RTA.