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GoPass ridership has shown a strong increase from fiscal year 2005 to fiscal year 2006 with a 14% increase from 306,238 riders to 350,017. The number of participating businesses in the Go!Pass program has increased modestly from fiscal year 2005 to 2006 from 342 to 350; a 2% increase. In 2007-2008, Over 5,400 employees at more that 386 downtown businesses participate in the go!pass program. In addition to riding AATA buses for free, pass holders now also receive discounts at participating downtown businesses.
Source: GetDowntown Program
Updated: March 2008 |
* Note: The Go!Pass program was offered to businesses at no charge the first for fiscal year 2000-2001. Beginning fiscal year 2001 participating businesses are charged $5 for each person employed at the company. This explains the high initial ridership.
What is a Go!Pass?
The Go!pass is an unlimited usage bus pass available to employees who work within the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) boundary (excluding UM employees and students). With their go!pass, downtown employees are entitled to unlimited rides on all AATA routes, including routes servicing all AATA Park and Ride lots in Ann Arbor.
Businesses in the DDA district may purchase go!passes for their employees at an annual cost of only $5.00 per employee. To participate in the program, businesses must be located within the DDA district and be willing to purchase go!passes for all full-time employees (including owners & managers). Businesses are welcome, but not required, to purchase go!passes for part-time employees.
In addition to be able to use your go!pass to ride all AATA buses for FREE, you can also get discounts at a number of different downtown businesses simply by showing your pass.
For more information about Go!Passes, visit the GetDowntown program website.
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 get a Go!Pass?
For complete information on Go!Passes, including ordering information, visit the GetDowntown program website.
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