More employees utilizing getDowntown's unlimited bus pass this year
More downtown Ann Arbor employees are saving gas money and commuting to work using Ann Arbor’s go!pass this year, the getDowntown program reports.
August ridership levels are at an all-time high, with 55,093 rides taken using the go!pass last month, according to a news release. Since last year, ridership levels have increased by an average of 20 percent.
The unlimited use bus pass is part of the getDowntown program, a partnership between the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, the city of Ann Arbor and the Downtown Development Authority.
Businesses in the DDA district can purchase go!passes for employees for an annual rate of $5 per employee, and it entitles those employees unlimited rides on all AATA routes.
The pass also offers discounts on TheRide’s A2Express Commuter Bus Service, Night Ride and discounts at downtown stores.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Robert D. Mosley
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.
I am happy for you guys in Washtenaw. I only wish we had adequate bus service in Oakland and Wayne. I am hoping you do well so it can be used as an example for us in southeast Michigan.
Chimay
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
@Mike D. Passes for people whose employers don't participate are $55 per month. GetDowntown receives grants to subsidize the actual cost of the pass, making it possible to offer the pass to participating businesses for $10 each.
Les Gov
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.
Boy this is the truth.....I would say riders on my buses are up 50%...and maybe a lot more. Use to be seven or eight people on the bus tops, now almost every sit is filled.
Jeff Gaynor
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.
Even though I pay my own fare to ride the bus, and often buses are quite crowded with downtown workers (and U-M folk), I'm delighted to see ridership up, and car usage down. I am still amazed by the number of residents who tell me they have never been on a bus in their lives. Whatever you think you know, give it a try. The buses run on schedule, the drivers are friendly and helpful, and the riders are all respectful (though I do occasionally wish a cell phone user would talk a bit more quietly). And special appreciation to the riders who take the bus to the St. Andrews breakfast program; these are among the most friendly and caring people I have met.
ypsicat
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 11:36 a.m.
the passes will be $10 for the year starting 11/1/11 and businesses are required to purchase passes for every full-time employee. Still a great bargain.
Mike D.
Sat, Sep 10, 2011 : 10:58 a.m.
$5 per employee sounds awfully cheap. Are businesses required to pay the fee for their entire workforce, or just the ones who get and use the passes?