Expanded U-M Central Campus transit area to accommodate more buses, increase pedestrian safety

Posted on Fri, Sep 3, 2010 : 11:04 a.m.

An expanded Central Campus Transit Center to accommodate more buses and improve pedestrian safety is now up and running, according to the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority.

Some of the work being done includes adding shelter for bus riders, bicycle lanes, bicycle racks, and an "improved pedestrian walkway across North University," according to a news release.

The improvements were made to address the "growing needs" for public transportation in the University of Michigan Central Campus area, according to the release. Work will continue into the fall.

"The expanded transit center creates a seamless connection between the campus bus system and the community's bus system," TheRide CEO Michael Ford said in the release. "Between the U-M system and TheRide, we board nearly 3 million passengers annually in the Central Campus area."

Funding for the project included $2.4 million in state and federal transportation and American Recovery and Rehabilitation Act funds from the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, with the University of Michigan providing $2.1 million from business and finance, parking and utility resources, according to the release.