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Posted on May 2, 2016
On Sunday, May 1, TheRide will be introducing the biggest expansion of bus service in the greater Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area since 1979, as part of its Five-Year Transportation Improvement Program. The May, 2016 phase of fixed-route and paratransit improvements will be the third since voters approved the Plan in May, 2014. It will create more ways for citizens to connect with jobs, school, appointments, shopping, and family and friends in the urban core of Washtenaw County.
In order to provide its customers with an interactive way to learn about the improved service, TheRide has worked with Google to add functionality to its Google Transit tool, which allows riders to see what their trips will look like after May 1. By visiting TheRide.org, clicking 'Plan My Trip,' and selecting a date that occurs after May 1, riders can determine which routes they will take after the improvements begin.
In addition to the Plan My Trip tool, TheRide has hosted community workshops, presented at local meetings, and talked with riders on buses and at bus stops and transit centers in the greater Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas to provide education about the improvements.
The improvements beginning May 1 include more routes to serve more places, more direct routes in Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti, more frequent service, new route names and numbers, new service in Scio Township, new service in Pittsfield Township, and expanded A-Ride service for seniors and riders with disabilities. More information on the upcoming improvements can be found at TheRideYourWay.org.
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Posted on March 29, 2016
The transit community in Michigan and beyond is mobilizing to help Flint. Let's all get on board. Our goal is for $200,000 to be raised on Red Cross Giving Day April 21st.
Help people affected by the Flint Water Crisis. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
Donations can be made online at www.redcross.org/cm/mpta-emp
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Posted on March 9, 2016
Join APTA for this year's tenth biennial Public Transportation and Universities Conference in Grand Rapids, MI, which runs April 16-19, and is hosted by The Rapid and Grand Valley State University. This conference delves into the unique needs of university communities and the populations they serve. University and community transportation professionals and those working on programs in college surroundings need to attend this meeting.
Register by Thursday, March 10 for a discounted meeting rate! Also, hotel discounts are available in the APTA room block through Friday, March 11. Book your room now.
Educational Sessions, Products and Services Showcase, Technical Tours, and More:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Monday:
Explore the event's preliminary program, book your hotelM room, and take advantage of the early bird registration discount through March 10.
We look forward to seeing you in Grand Rapids at APTA's 2016 Public Transportation & Universities Conference!
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Posted on February 10, 2016
The Governor’s Executive recommendation for the 2016-2017 budget was released today in Lansing.
There is some good news for public transportation:
These recommendations from the Governor represent an acknowledgement of the lobbying efforts that MPTA put forth beginning in late November when we met with Director Kirk Steudle and continuing through MDOT’s recommendations submitted in mid December. You may recall that I polled MPTA members in late November/early December to get your opinion on where the investments needed to be made. The responses indicated significant needs on both the LBO and BCM sides, and the Governor’s budget targets recognize our input.
Our lobbyist Dusty Fancher and I will be continuing our persistent efforts now at keeping these recommendations in the budget as we go forward with Legislative deliberations beginning next week.
Also, next week begins your efforts, as well. Hopefully you are planning to attend the MPTA Legislative Conference where we will further outline the recommendations and other significant details of the state budget and provide you with background pieces for your own conversations with your legislators. Those talks should begin for you immediately, both at the MPTA Legislative Breakfast on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016 and in your own hometowns.
It is not too late to still register to attend the Legislative Conference and Breakfast, by the way. Even if you have not previously registered, we can get you in and please know that we need your active involvement as we carry our message forward! If you would still like to register, please contact Cindy Zolkowski here at MPTA via email: mptacindy@comcast.net and she will help you make your arrangements.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Clark Harder
Executive Director
