6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS TRANSPORTATION SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 Understanding why Blake Transit Center moved: The role of DDA and A2 City Council Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA) is the major bus transportation system in Washtenaw County. TheRide is the name of Ann Arbor’s transportation organization which is responsible for management, strategic planning, strategic communication, marketing and decentralized leadership for projects. Over time, TheRide has worked with Ann Arbor’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for transit improvements, bus riders' safety and convenient accessibility for bus riders and bus drivers. Its latest project to improve 4th Avenue necessitated closing the Blake Transit Center. Using the power of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) given to DDA by State law and City Council ordinance, the planners are able to raise funds for building more parking spaces, infrastructure development and improvements, cultural enhancements, place-making sites and housing affordability, to mention a few. The Ann Arbor City Council meetings and deliberations showed that in March 2026, there was a vote to approve DDA proposals on capital improvement plans and projects. The plan includes wider sidewalks, added space for outdoor dining outside restaurants, a midblock crosswalk with flashing pedestrian signals near the entrance drive to Blake Transit Center, enhanced transit shelters and dedicated bus lanes paved in concrete, as well as some public art, wider main replacement and stormwater improvements. WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 Temporary closing of Blake Transit Center This year, TheRide leadership and DDA once again are collaborating on capital improvement plans for Fourth Avenue and transit improvements. A2dda.org identified the following specific project information. The 4th Avenue project at Blake will: Enhance bus boarding and operations; Improve physical accessibility of the block for people of all ages and abilities; Add amenities for people taking the bus and walking — benches, trees, new street lights, trash cans and public art; Support bicycle travel, although designated bike lanes are not proposed due to the limited width of the right-of-way; Update infrastructure and improve stormwater management; Incorporate infrastructure to support the Ann Arbor Housing Commission (AAHC) project at 350 S. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor DDA is the lead agency for the 4th Avenue Street and Transit Improvements Projects. The City’s Engineering and other departments, along with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission, work together cooperatively. Nani Wolf, DDA Planning Specialist, is a valuable contact person for the DDA, especially for the funding of projects. Council voted in March to approve $5.7 million for construction contracts awarded to the Forsom company. It is estimated that the cost overall may be $8 million. Project information officials noted that construction on 4th avenue started on May 4. Because of the Ann Arbor Art Fair, there was a pause from July 10 to July 26. It is anticipated that construction will continue through December 2026. It is expected that some landscaping work to beautify 4th Avenue may take place in 2027. On May 3, when most University of Michigan students left Ann Arbor for their hometowns, vacation spots, career jobs or internships, the Blake Transit Center formally closed the building which housed the service desk for ride information and purchase of tickets. A banner was left hanging which says, “Blake Transit Center is Temporarily Closed on May 3. It will reopen in December 2026.” In a statement to the community, TheRide’s deputy CEO for planning and innovation, Mr. Forest Yang, tried to reassure the public. He said, “Our team has worked to relocate boarding locations as close to Blake Transit Center as possible, and we encourage riders to plan ahead and check TheRide.org for the most up-to-date stop information. TheRide is committed to keeping service safe, reliable and accessible throughout the construction.” The Michigan Daily of April 17, 2026 had a headline, “Blake Transit Center in Ann Arbor Closing for Several Months, Bus Stops Relocating.” This article was published during final exam weeks and may have been missed by students. Another important positive story which is linked to this one is the plan to build a 20-story affordable housing complex on the empty parking lot which is next to Blake Transit Center. The DDA and the Ann Arbor City Council are committed to building more affordable housing for lower income folks who want to work and live in the city. Safe, convenient, efficient, accessible and affordable bus transportation will also help make Ann Arbor a livable city. Transit-Oriented Development planning is a popular tool in the toolbox of urban planners. Transportation planning is a concentration for students and career professionals who want to help shape the future of vehicle circulation and transport networks. TheRide 2045 is a long-range plan for bus transport improvement, see AAATA next page
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