What exactly is the unlimited access agreement?

The University has contracted with the AATA to permit all active U-M faculty, staff and students to ride on all AATA regular fixed route buses without paying a fare.

What will the program be called?

Our unlimited access service will be called AATA’s Mride Program.

Will all Mcard IDs be valid for this service?

No. Mcards are sometimes issued to vendors, contractors and certain visitors. Only active UM faculty, staff and students can participate – those with a valid yellow card. In addition, when students or employees leave the University, their Mcard ID is no longer considered valid.

What about retirees and emeritus professors?

Emeritus professors and retirees who have a continuing relationship with the University are issued Mcard IDs that will be valid for Unlimited Access privileges.

Are part-time students and temporary employees included?

Yes.

Can I only ride the bus to and from work or school?

You can ride any day of the week, any time of day that the AATA fixed-route service operates.

It’s only good on fixed route service. What services are excluded?

Special services such as Night Ride, A-Ride, Senior Taxi Service, Football Ride, Art Fair Shuttles and Commencement Shuttle are excluded from this agreement.

When does it start?

The agreement is scheduled to start August 1, 2004, and runs for five years.

Will any AATA services be improved as a result of this agreement?

Yes. AATA already provides a significant amount of service to and from campus. However, beginning in January 2005, AATA will provide additional service tailored to meet specific needs of the University.

What do I have to do to ride for free? Do I need a bus pass?

No, you don’t need a bus pass. Just show your valid yellow Mcard ID when you board the bus.

How do I find out if AATA bus routes will work for me?

AATA services are available on hard copy (The Ride Guide) at over 250 community locations, including 44 campus sites, and at their offices on South Industrial or at the Blake Transit Center, or by calling the AATA Customer Information Line at 996.0400. Click here to view the AATA system maps.

How will the University benefit from this agreement?

The University and the Ann Arbor community will benefit in several ways:

• Reduced parking demand, both on campus and in nearby city lots and streets, by providing another major transportation option for employees and students.
• Reduced traffic volume on local streets and highways.
• A new no-cost transportation option for students to access retail and entertainment venues.
• Reduced vehicular traffic will result in reduced air and noise pollution.
• Improved service levels (increased frequency and added service hours) in 2005 will be available to U-M employees and students, as well as to the general public.
• Leverage of significant federal dollars to provide additional transportation service to the U-M community.
• Increased ridership on AATA buses (means increased federal funding and better utilization of existing resources).

How is this being funded? Will I see an increase in my student fees or parking fees?

The University currently pays about $700,000 annually for AATA services. That amount remains the same, so there will be no increase in student fees or parking fees due to this program. The remaining portion of the $1.8 million annual contract will be paid with federal funds available to the University because of our participation in the Federal Transit Administration’s National Transit Database.

Will U-M bus service be reduced because of this agreement?

No. The two bus systems are complementary. U-M’s buses continue to serve an essential role in transporting passengers between campuses and within the campus. AATA’s role is to provide service to the entire community, including to and from the campus area.