Streetcars, monorail, and light rail transit are among the possibilities for enhanced transportation along one of Ann Arbor's high-travel corridors.
The results coming partway through the Ann Arbor Connector Feasibility Study, presented at an informational public meeting Tuesday, explored options for the Plymouth Road exit off U.S. 23 to downtown (as well as South State Street to Briarwood Mall) in an effort to improve north-south mass transit lines. The $250,000 study looked at a summary of and types of travel activity, and identified the high-activity areas. Buses in that corridor are often filled to standing-room capacity.
Among the travel options presented were bus rapid transit -- enhanced bus services (separate from existing bus options), streetcars, monorail, light rail transit, and automatic guideway, which is reminiscent of the Detroit People Mover.
"They're all being explored by the study team," says Eli Cooper, the city of Ann Arbor's transportation program manager. "Each one has its strengths and weaknesses."
In addition to studying the current level of demand, the study is also investigating what transit systems are needed currently and for the future. And although price tags play a role in the final decision -- an enhanced buses system can start at $10 million, and light rail can cost $250 million -- there's no point in building a top-of-the-line, high-tech system if there's no demand to ride it, Cooper explain.
The planning team is also examining financial, community, environmental and engineering standpoints to determine what works best for the corridor. "We're trying to take an informed approach as we begin to narrow down the technology that meets demand," Cooper said.
The city is working with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, Ann Arbor Transportation Authority and University of Michigan on the study, as they all would benefit from mass transportation decisions.
"It's truly a collaborate effort," Cooper said. "Each of the primary stakeholders have an interest in the project."
The study will likely continue through the year with a final report completed by December.
Source: Eli Cooper, City of Ann Arbor transportation program manager
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
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