AATA, U-M boost campus bus service

By Diane Brown
Facilities and Operations

The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) and the University announced last week the addition of 8,000 annual hours of bus service starting Jan. 23.

The changes and additions, designed to improve service, are being added as a result of AATA's MRide Program agreement with U-M. The agreement allows all active University students, faculty and staff to ride AATA fixed-route service without paying a fare by showing their yellow or white MCards to drivers.

One route will be added and 14 existing AATA bus routes will be changed to provide increased frequency of service during midday and evening hours, more direct service between campus and student residential concentrations, better service to commercial areas, and improved connection with the U-M transit service.

The new route—the 9U-Jackson University—is being added to provide service between Maple Village and the Central Campus and Medical Center via Huron Street, Dexter Avenue and Jackson Avenue. The 9U will operate during peak commute hours.

As routes 5 and 16 change to better serve Central Campus, new stops will be installed on Thompson Street at the Fleming Administration Building and at West Quad.

Service improvements were made based on input from hundreds of students, faculty and staff.

"We are pleased that these service improvements will benefit both our U-M riders and our other passengers, as well," AATA Executive Director Greg Cook says.

Cook says students will find it easier to get from on-campus residence halls to grocery stores and retail centers. Those in off-campus housing will better be able to get to campus and connect with U-M buses at major transfer locations.

Faculty and staff members who live locally will have better access to direct service to campus, and those who live outside the bus service area will be able to take advantage of the improved service from the Park & Ride Lots, he adds.

"These service additions are focused on the needs of our faculty, staff and students," says U-M Director of Parking and Transportation Services Dave Miller. Route 2 is used heavily by U-M students and employees, Miller says, so service has been added to the popular route.

"These changes will improve bus access to North Campus and the northwest side of Ann Arbor, as well as connecting the AATA and U-M bus systems more effectively."

For route and schedule details on service changes, call (734) 996-0400 or visit http://www.TheRide.org.

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