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Total Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) bus ridership reached 5,104,390 for calendar year 2005, a 13.7% increase over the previous year. Ridership continues to rise, increasing 8.9% in calendar year 2006 to 5,559,141. Ninety-one percent of Ann Arbor households are within 1/4 mile of an AATA bustop, and 99% are within 1/2 mile.
Source: Ann Arbor Transportation Authority |
The recent jump in ridership is partly to do with MRide, a partnership with U of M that allows students and faculty to ride for free. he commutes of Ann Arbor workers represent fairly high percentages of non-Single Occupancy modes of transportation when compared to the country as a whole.
What is the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority?
The AATA, a not-for-profit unit of government, operates the local public transit system for the greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area. AATA enables the area's residents to reach their destinations at reasonable cost, and offers the region efficient, environmentally sound transportation alternatives.
How does riding the bus affect the Ann Arbor environment?
AATA has been a pioneer among transit operators nationwide in pursuing cleaner air. From the late 1980s through 1995, AATA voluntarily converted its entire fleet to a "clean diesel" system using low-sulfur diesel fuel - years ahead of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency directives for federal emissions standards that require buses to meet low-sulfur levels by 2004.
In 2002, AATA became the first transit system in the Midwest to begin using ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel in all its buses. When coupled with new engine technology, AATA cuts its emissions by as much as 90 percent. Today, AATA buses are significantly cleaner than many other buses and large trucks in the area.
Nineteen new lower-emission buses were added to the AATA fleet in 2003, replacing an equal number of aging buses. This purchase, paid for with a combination of federal and state funds, completes AATA's conversion to an all-low-floor bus fleet. All AATA buses are now more easily accessible to all passengers. The buses also feature the new generation of Detroit Diesel Series 50 engines, which are California Air Resources Board-certified.
With AATA's use of ultra-low-sulfur fuel, new Series 50 engines and exhaust systems utilizing catalyzed particulate filters, the particulate matter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are reduced by 90 percent. Nitrous oxide emissions are reduced by 10 percent. AATA also continues to retrofit its remaining buses with the new engines and particulate filters. The addition of these 19 vehicles continues AATA's long-standing commitment to preserving the environment by reducing emissions in the AATA service area. Click here for more information.
Source: Ann Arbor Transportation Authority
How do I locate the route nearest to me?
AATA buses can take you practically anywhere you want to go in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area. Use the AATA website for up-to-date routes, timetables and fare information.
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