The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority is extending its pilot program for the A2Express from Chelsea for another year, the AATA board decided Wednesday night.

The A2Express service began in May 2008 as a federally-funded demonstration project. The first route, the Chelsea A2Express, provides service from Chelsea to Ann Arbor.

The Canton A2Express was added as a second route in August 2009 and was the first AATA route to serve riders outside Washtenaw County, AATA officials said. Both services are currently operated by an outside contractor, Indian Trails, Inc.

To control costs, the resolution authorizes AATA staff to continue the service using in-house resources instead of a contractor. It also authorizes a fare reduction to encourage ridership growth on the Chelsea Express, an AATA press release said.

“We believe the A2Express services could be a valuable transit solution for Ann Arbor commuters if given the chance to fully develop,” AATA CEO Michael Ford said in a statement. “For a demonstration project that has never been tried in the area before, ridership numbers and rider enthusiasm for the express services have been very promising.”

Each express service route consists of two peak-period trips each morning and evening with limited stops between destinations. Passengers pay for the service by buying 30-day passes or paying cash.

According to the AATA, the new 30-day pass for Chelsea at a price of $99 will start June 1. Ten-ride passes are $40 and one-way cash fare is $5.

AATA officials say a program analysis concluded the Chelsea service should remain for an additional year due to strong ridership potential, high customer satisfaction, and the identification of additional cost-saving measures.