Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 18, 2026
Contact
Jeffrey Pfeifer
Manager of Public Affairs and Community Engagement
(734) 973-6500
JApfeifer@TheRide.org
ANN ARBOR, MI -- The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) and Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 171 have reached a new collective bargaining agreement covering represented employees at TheRide, concluding an extended negotiation process and providing a new framework for wages, benefits and workplace policies.
The new agreement is effective September 17, 2026, and goes until June 30, 2030. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to investing in the employees who deliver TheRide's services each day while maintaining the financial and operational stability necessary to provide reliable public transportation throughout the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area.
Under the new agreement, TheRide's operators will remain among the highest paid in the state, with top operator wages reaching $34.37 per hour. The agreement also includes meaningful pay increases for mechanics and fleet staff, expanded parental leave, additional certification compensation, attendance award programs, improved dental coverage, and favorable updates to unpaid sick time.
“We were committed to reaching an agreement that was fair, equitable and attainable, while still addressing the strongly held priorities each side had," said Matt Carpenter, CEO of TheRide. "Ultimately, we were able to reach an agreement that met those goals while also being responsible to our taxpayers and, importantly, allowing us to continue to deliver the level of service our riders depend on every day. We are especially proud that this agreement ensures our operators are at the top of their profession in Michigan while creating policies that provide opportunities for employees throughout our workforce.”
"This agreement is an important achievement for our members and reflects the persistence of our workforce throughout the bargaining process," said Delisa Brown, President of TWU Local 171. "Our members are the people who keep this system moving every day. We appreciate the work that ultimately took place between the union and management to reach an agreement that creates long-term investment in our members and allows us to move forward together."
The agreement was ratified by TWU with an over 80% approval rate and unanimously approved by the AAATA Board of Directors on September 17, 2026. TWU Local 171 represents over 250 employees at TheRide.