DECEMBER 27, 2024 TRANSIT Its time to hop on the "bus" train! SARAH THOLEN U-M student contributor In August 2024, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, or TheRide, rolled out a set of service improvements, launching Phase 1 of “TheRide 2045” plan. Though ambitious, TheRide’s vision for the future could ultimately reshape Ann Arbor — if we let it. TheRide 2045 plan is, at its simplest, a framework for expansion and, as AAATA’s Senior Transit Planner Ken Anderson calls it in our interview, a “wishlist” expected to be re-evaluated later. It was delicately crafted to cater to the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti communities’ needs and to welcome adjustments later on. The development process, lasting from 2019 through 2022, was designed to gather public feedback; an estimated 1400 people provided feedback during the development of TheRide 2045. AAATA offered many opportunities for people to come to them, whether through public meetings, a feedback form on their website, or the chance to join feedback groups like the Public Advisory Group. But they also went out to the community. Anderson described the biennial process of “on-board surveying,” where passengers on the bus are given a survey to fill out, including an opportunity to share what riders do and don’t use the bus for, among other questions. AAATA took feedback they received, like developing improvements not just for the “9-5 crowd, but for those who rely solely on public transportation, to heart.” They identified an overrepresentation of higher household income and Caucasian survey respondents and therefore collected in-person engagement feedback where they were able to speak with a higher proportion of Black citizens. To create a plan meant to reflect the needs of the community, and AAATA ensured as many voices as possible were heard. August’s service improvements were directly reflective of this public feedback. Phase 1 of TheRide 2045 plan is designed to get the most highly requested (as shown in the figure on page 11) and quickly implementable improvements done, so, as Anderson describes, AAATA can “show the community [they are] out there delivering on some of the promises that [they] made in the 2045 plan.” With the recent service update, most lines have increased frequency of buses, and now consistently run from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the week, with extended weekend hours, all highly ranked priorities of the public. These expansions were greatly desired, but they are all relatively predictable improvements for a bus system trying to expand. Holistically, AAATA’s TheRide 2045 plan feels progressive, not necessarily for what they’re doing, but for the attention to whom they’re helping. “We are focused on generating ridership, but there’s an equity component,” Anderson says. “Everything that we do can’t just be completely focused around getting more commuters out of their cars, because there are people that have to use the bus — that can only use the bus — so we have to do what benefits them.” It is TheRide’s commitment to inclusivity that appears in their promises to expand service locations and hours for low-income areas and low-wage workers. It again appears in the projected 97% of jobs being located within 0.7 miles of high-frequency transit. And again in the strides to improve transportation for seniors and those with disabilities or mobility issues with 100% accessible buses and alternative options (like A-Ride, a shared ride service for persons with disabilities). Again with the website and app reforms and help lines with translators to improve ease of scheduling for non-native English speakers and first time users. There is remarkable care devoted to a great breadth of populations. Perhaps the most revolutionary part of TheRide 2045 plan, though, is the vision of a future that it builds. AAATA is striving for sustainability beyond merely zero-emissions buses (which they are also working towards). TheRide wants the city of Ann Arbor to let go of cars above all. To reach that point, they are advocating for the intensification of urban development, new housing policies, reduced below-market and free parking prices, curbing road widening, transit priority (like bus lanes), and so much more. Long-term, TheRide 2045 seems to envision a very new landscape of Ann Arbor. They want a city that can rely on, even enjoy, dependable public transportation. TheRide is also looking to us to create this future. Anderson says getting even 10% of people to switch from cars to other means of transportation would decrease congestion significantly which greatly serves the bus system. Whether walking, biking or taking the bus, every little bit helps. “We just want people out of their cars basically,” he said. But is this vision for the future practical? Even with major public transportation GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Photo credit: Mike Jones expansion, will enough people of Ann Arbor lean into a car-free world? Though far too early to tell, ridership has increased since even the first improvements this August, giving Anderson hope for what’s to come. So what is your role in all this? First and foremost, take the bus! To expand service in such a way, increased ridership is crucial. If you live further out and must commute to Ann Arbor by car, AAATA offers a “Park and Ride" program in which you can park your car for free at designated lots, then commute via TheRide all around the city (this is often more cost-effective than parking structures). Secondly, make your voice heard! Anderson wants to hear from as many people as possible. He wants to know how you currently use transit service, and how you wish you could. You can join the Local Advisory Council, which is seeking new members to help advise the AAATA Board on services offered see BUS page 11
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