Connecting Our Community

Boulder CO Transit

Successful communities don’t happen by accident. They’re built through collaboration and citizen engagement by setting goals and working to achieve them. The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) set out to create a shared vision for connecting Washtenaw communities through public transportation. This effort is called “Moving You Forward.”  It has lead to the creation of the Smart Growth Transit Master Plan, which provides a framework to meet Washtenaw County’s transit needs for the next 30 years.

connecting our future

Current Transit Conditions

Washtenaw County currently has a patchwork of transportation options. Fixed public transit routes exist in the county’s most urban areas, while paratransit exists in some townships for seniors and those with disabilities.

However, few connections exist between services, and each district has its own funding mechanism—potentially leading to uncontrolled development, longer commute times, higher infrastructure costs, and monotonous suburban landscapes.

>> View map of existing transit services (PDF)

Putting the Plan in Place

Successful metropolitan regions had transit plans that led to success and improved their communities:

  • Economic Development -- Public transit attracts developers and businesses. A light rail in Dallas, Texas brought 32,000 new jobs. A new transit center in Grand Rapids brought $74 million in development.
  • Increased Mobility -- Greater access to reliable transportation for those who cannot afford, are unable, or choose not to drive.
  • Cleaner Environment -- Air quality improved by reducing automotive emissions.
  • Preserved Green Space -- Land protected from unwanted development by planning for the future.