Ann Arbor pilot program to offer 'Night Rides' for one year

The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority is rolling out a new transport service for night owls.

When the buses flip their switches to 'off,' some people still need to find alternative ways home – or just walk. Well, the AATA now offers a "Night Ride" van.

At A Cab, on 4th, just south of Williams, a van will be available for rides to the Pioneer High School Park & Ride lot. Additionally, and a little more convenient, if the rider lives on the Westside of the city, there will be a door drop-off service available. How nice of them.

The Night Ride is a pilot program that, according to Nancy Shore, getDowntown's Program Director, will last for about a year. The first 1,000 rides are free, after that the AATA will evaluate the program's usage and Ann Arbor's interest.

The Night Rides kick in after the buses turn out the headlights. The van will do pick-ups at A Cab at 11:15, 12, 12:45, and 1. Right now, Shore says, the van is the only vehicle for the program, but that may change after its first evaluation.

The service is aimed at employees who work at night and people out for an evening on the town. Shore says that though downtown is busy now, it'll probably get busier, resulting in a larger service.

"We're testing [the program] out," Shore said. "But, with all the new developments like the Melting Pot and the Black Pearl, people will need rides."

A Cab, the Night Ride pick-up location, is at 426 S. 4th Ave., just south of Williams, and the Pioneer High School Park & Ride lot is at Main Street, near the stadium.

Source: Nancy Shore, getDowntown Program Director
Writer: Terry Parris, Jr.