In the near future, car-clogged Ann Arbor could get some relief if
The Connector, a plan for a high-capacity mass transit service route covering an arc from the city's northeast to its south end, gets some traction with the public.
A feasibility study conducted by the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA), the city of Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, and the University of Michigan found sufficient demand for such a service exists in that portion of the city, the service could be supported, and four options exist: bus rapid transit; streetcars; light rail; and elevated guideway, perhaps akin to Detroit's People Mover.
Now the partnership has started on the next project phase, a Federal Transit Administration grant-funded alternatives analysis to be completed over the next 14 months, with a final report to be issued in early 2014. Accordingly, community input is being sought at a series of public meetings to be held later this month and in 2013. The community will have a say on a locally preferred alternative, which would outline the preferred transportation mode or combination thereof, service level, station locations, route alignment, and estimated costs.
"Right now the U-M bus system carries about 30,000 people a day between North Campus and Central Campus. Just on that little spur, there's that kind of ridership, and we're talking about a bigger corridor that goes from northeast Ann Arbor down to Briarwood," says Chris White, manager of service development for AATA.
In a best-case scenario, The Connector could be up and running by 2020, although White says such projects typically take longer to develop.
The public is welcome to drop in and offer input at these Ann Arbor locations:
Mon., Dec. 10
8-10 a.m. at the Blake Transit Center
1-3 p.m. at Busch's Market, 2020 Green Rd.
6-8 p.m. at Briarwood Mall
Tues., Dec. 11
8-10 a.m. at Sweetwaters, 123 W. Washington St.
1-3 p.m. at Sweetwaters, 3393 Plymouth Rd.
6-8 p.m. at Briarwood Mall
Source: Chris White, manager of service development for AATA
Writer: Tanya Muzumdar
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