Public Transit

We want to hear from you about the importance of a better public transit system in Washtenaw County! (Read more about  “Why Public Transit?”)

ICPJ’s Racial and Economic Justice Task Force, in collaboration with Partners for Transit and other local groups, is currently working to promote public transit in Washtenaw County that is sufficient and available for all who need it. Our first step is to collect Transit Testimonials from community members. We want to hear from Washtenaw County residents what you want in a public transit system.

Take the 2-minute survey to share your Transit Testimonial and help us make better public transit a reality! (You can also download a copy of the survey to print or share with others.) Check back for updates on this campaign!

UPDATES ON TRANSIT ISSUES:

• August 23rd, 2009 – Arborland’s AATA contract – The issue of pedestrian safety due to the bus stop location change was featured in the Ann Arbor News yesterday: Pedestrian safety concerns arise in aftermath of AATA bus stop’s forced move from Arborland Mall.
  • ICPJ Intern Justine Sheu is heading out to Arborland with a video camera to document the experiences and hear the voices of bus riders themselves. We want to hear from riders how losing the Arborland bus stop has effected them and their commute. Justine could use some help with this effort: would you like to join her for an hour to talk to riders? Please email jsheu@umich.edu to help. And you can still Contact Arborland‘s owners today to voice your concerns!
• August 21st, 2009 – AATA’s service agreements with Ypsilanti – It looks like the AATA is working hard to find ways to cut costs of the service to Ypsilanti without cutting service levels. Read more. AATA’s current contract with Ypsilanti expires on September 30th. Read recent articles on this issue here:
  
  • Project, AATA may take hit, Ann Arbor News, May 2, 2009
  • Ypsilanti City Council opts to not change bus service funding, will weigh other options, Ann Arbor News, May 19, 2009

• Wed., June 17th, 2009 –Arborland shopping center terminates AATA contract effective July 1st!  CALL TO ACTION – As advocates for a greener and more transit accessible Ann Arbor, we need to tell Arborland owners that this is a step in the wrong direction. Background: AATA and Arborland have been attempting to resolve conflicts over commuters’ parking for a while; now, Arborland has decided to cut the contract. AATA is looking to establish a new stop nearby, but this issue raises a bigger question: How can we work together with the local business community to make Ann Arbor a more pedestrian and transit freindly city where people of all ages, abilities, and incomes can get where they need to go? Read more about this issue at The getDowntown Blog, Arbor Update, and the Ann Arbor News.