TheRide works closely with academic institutions in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area to create special offerings for students, faculty, and staff.
University of Michigan
MRide
Active students, faculty, and staff at U-M and Michigan Medicine have unlimited access to TheRide's fixed-route bus service with a valid Mcard. To take advantage of your sponsored ride, swipe your Mcard when you board the bus. Your Mcard will serve as your bus pass.
This sponsored fare is made possible through an agreement with U-M and TheRide in which U-M pays fares for U-M riders.
Additional transportation benefits include:
- Free parking at any of TheRide's Park & Ride lots
- An employee vanpool program
- Connections between U-M Bus Routes and TheRide Bus Routes at certain campus locations
Eastern Michigan University
30-Day Discounted Pass
Eastern Michigan University is served by TheRide routes 3, 4, and 5. Visit our Route Maps & Schedules Library for more information. Additionally, students, faculty and staff members can visit Service EMU in the Student Center to purchase 30-day unlimited rides at a discount offered by EMU. You must present your student or employee I.D. card when you purchase your pass.
Washtenaw Community College
WCC is served by TheRide routes 3 and 24. Visit our Route Maps & Schedules Library for more information. Additionally, WCC students, faculty and staff members can purchase 30-day unlimited ride passes at the Cashier's Office on the second floor of the student center.
Youth (K-12)
All Kindergarten through grade 12 students are eligible for half-fare bus rides, youth passes, and half-fare tokens with a valid student I.D. Students and parents can buy passes online, order by mail, or buy in-person at one of our outlets. Children 5 years of age and younger ride for free.
AAPS Exceptional Pass
The Exceptional Pass is a program of the Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS). Eligibility and distribution of this pass is the sole responsibility of Ann Arbor Public Schools. Please direct any questions about the Exceptional Pass to your school's contact or call AAPS Transportation at 734-994-2330.
ACCE School/Ypsilanti Schools
George School (ACCE) provides 30-day passes to eligible students attending the ACCE program for use on TheRide’s bus routes. Eligibility and distribution of this pass is the sole responsibility of the school. Students who are not eligible to receive a 30-day pass are able to ride for half fare with a student I.D.
- There is more seating availability during off-peak travel hours (weekdays 9:00 am - 3:00 p.m. and after 6:00 p.m.).
- Please let us know if you have a large group boarding prior to the day of your trip. This will help us ensure we can accommodate your preferred travel time.
- If your plans change, please call us at least one day in advance.
Fares are paid on the day of the trip and at the time of boarding. We accept cash (exact change preferred), tokens, and regular passes.
Please contact TheRide at 734-996-0400 to alert our staff if you plan to use our buses for your next field trip or if your plans change. You may also contact us with questions or for more information.