The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA) board voted 7-0 Thursday night to adopt the five-year plan laying out a strategy to expand transit services in Washtenaw County’s urban core transit improvements through 2019.

TheRide’s Urban Core service area currently includes the cities of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Saline, and the townships of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Pittsfield, and Superior. The changes would enhance existing services and routes and increase transit access in underserved areas; adding more destinations, more frequent service, more direct service, and redesigned routes over the next five years.

Response to rider suggestions

Using responses garnered from actual riders, TheRide expansion seeks to address these concerns:

• helping workers connect to jobs
• spurring economic activity
• supporting seniors and the disabled
• easing parking congestion
• promoting a cleaner environment

Funding for The Program is still to be determined. The AAATA board will meet again to discuss a possible tax. The tax will be voted on in May.

Written by Brad Abbott