Countywide Transit

for Washtenaw County

Leadership Group
May 12, 2011

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 Today’s Agenda
• Introductions and Opening Remarks
Michael Ford, CEO, TheRide
• Transit Master Plan: A Transit Vision for Washtenaw
County
Michael Benham, Strategic Planner, TheRide
• Governance: What’s Needed? Status Report
Terri Blackmore, Executive Director, WATS
• Funding: Plan to review and release funding options
Michael Ford, CEO, TheRide
• Panel Discussion: Local Perspectives
Moderator: Jesse Bernstein, Chairman of the Board, TheRide
• Q&A
• Closing Remarks
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 Acknowledgements
Ann Arbor Transportation Authority Board Members

Jesse Bernstein Sue McCormick Charles Griffith

Chair Treasurer Secretary

Anya Dale Roger Kerson David Nacht Rich Robben3

Thank you
Moving You Forward Technical Advisory Committee
Robert Allen, Ann Arbor Public Schools; Doug Anderson and Wes Armbruster, People's Express; Dale Berry, Huron Valley Ambulance; Terri
Blackmore, Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS); Eli Cooper, City of Ann Arbor; Patricia Denig , Employment, Training and
Community Services (ETCS); Sean Duval, Golden Limousine; John Etter, Blue Cab; Theresa Gillotti, City of Ypsilanti; Sue Gott and Keith
Johnson, University of Michigan; Carolyn Grawi, Ann Center for Independent Living; Lily Guzman, Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition
(WBWC); Vanessa Hansle, RideConnect; Tim Hoeffner, Erica Busick, and Kari Martin, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT);
Richard Murphy, Michigan Suburbs Alliance; Howard Parr, Manchester Senior Services; Michaelene Pawlak, Western-Washtenaw Area
Value Express (WAVE); Steve Puuri, Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC); Nancy Shore and Moira Branigan, GetDowntown; Tony
Vanderworp, Washtenaw County

Partners for Transit (P4T)

Terri Blackmore, Mark Ferrell, Nick Sapkiewicz, Rich Kato, Denise Liwosz, Vanessa Hansle, Clark Charnetski, Michaelene Pawlak, Lisa Gray-
Lion, Sandie Seschulze

The Steer Davies Gleave Team

Fred Beltrandi, Juliet Edmondson, Ron Barnes, (Steer Davies Gleave)
Debra Power (Power Marketing & Research)
Shannon Williams (Scott Balice Associates)
With support from Drew Desautels, Tom Higbee, Lauren Alexander, Steven Bishop, Rebecca Powell, Joel Beachman, Venessa Bennett, Phil
Berczuk, Jon Bottom, Matthew Clark, Felicity Hulme, Andrew Mellor, Juan Rioseco, Katy Scott, Clare Seldon, Tony Walmsley, Chris
Whitehouse and Colin Woods at Steer Davies Gleave.
And with support from Patricia Sweatman at Power Marketing & Research.

Independent Consultants
Dave Betts, Land Use Planning
Dean Greb, Logistics

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Thank you
State and Federal Legislature
TheRide appreciates the opportunity to brief the following members of the State and Federal Legislature (and/or their staff):
US Senator Debbie Stabenow, US Senator Carl Levin, US Congressman John Dingell, US Congressman Tim Walberg, State Senator
Rick Olsen, State Senator Rebekah Warren, State Rep. Jeff Irwin, State Rep. Mark Ouimet, State Rep. David Rutledge.

Moving You Forward Leadership Group

Peter Allen, Peter Allen Associates / Ross School of Business; John Ballew, University of Michigan Health System; Terri
Blackmore, Washtenaw Area Transportation Study; Sabra Briere, City of Ann Arbor; Dick Carlisle, Carlisle/Wortman Associates,
Inc.; Jim Carson, Village of Dexter/ WAVE; Spaulding Clark, Scio Township; Jerry Clayton, Washtenaw County Sheriff; Karl
Couyoumjian, TeL Systems/Thalner Electronic Labs; Anthony Denton, UM Hospital; Tony Derezinski, City of Ann Arbor; Steve
Dolen, UM Parking and Transportation Services; Cheryl Elliot, Ann Arbor Community Foundation; Ann Feeney, City of Chelsea;
Jennifer Ferris, Federated Capital Corp. (Great Lakes Central Railroad); Greg Fronizer, Ann Arbor SPARK; Mike Garfield, The
Ecology Center; Stephen Gill, Washtenaw Community College; Leigh Greden, Eastern Michigan University; Mandy Grewal,
Pittsfield Charter Township; Vanessa Hansle, RideConnect; Ida Hendrix, Briarwood Mall; Norman Herbert, University of
Michigan; Tom Heywood, State Street Area Association; John Hieftje, City of Ann Arbor; Peter Hines, Washtenaw Bicycling &
Walking Coalition; Kirstin Judge, Washtenaw County; Diane Keller, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber; Pat Kelly, Dexter
Township; Darrell Kenney, Ann Arbor State Bank; Jim Kosteva, University of Michigan; Barbara Levin Bergman, Washtenaw
County; Karen Lovejoy Roe, Ypsilanti Township; Jim Magyar, Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living; Christine Mann, Milan
Area Chamber of Commerce; Ron Mann, Manchester Township/SWWCOG; Brian Marcel, Washtenaw Intermediate School
District; Dedrick Martin, Ypsilanti Public Schools; Verna McDaniel, Washtenaw County; William McFarlane, Superior Township;
Mary Morgan, Ann Arbor Chronicle; Deb Mozurkewich, Northfield Township; Jon Newpol, Thomson Reuters; Mark Ouimet,
Washtenaw County; Susan Pollay, Ann Arbor DDA; Wesley Prater, Washtenaw Co Board, Huron Valley Central Labor Council;
Todd Roberts, Ann Arbor Public Schools; Sandra R. Rupp, United Way Of Washtenaw County; Paul Schreiber, City of Ypsilanti;
Paul Schutt, Issue Media Group; Conan Smith, Washtenaw County/Suburbs Alliance; Brenda L. Stumbo, Ypsilanti Charter
Township; Maura Thomson, Main Street Area Association; Tom Tocco, St. Joseph Mercy Health System; Larry Voight, Catholic
Social Services; Dale Weidmayer, Freedom Township; Larry Whitworth, Washtenaw Community College; Andre Yastchenko,
Jewish Family Services; Susan Zielinski, SMART; Elina Zilberberg, Jewish Family Services
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The Three Elements of Countywide Transit

Countywide
Transit

Funding
Countywide Transit Vision

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 Transit Master Plan (TMP) - Overview
The TMP Vision
• Plan Development Process
• Existing Service in Washtenaw County – “Transit Today“
• Needs Assessment Results – “Rising to the Challenges”
• Visioning Results – “Achieving our Wider Goals”
• Scenario Analysis Results – “Discussing Alternative
Futures”
• Services Proposed – “Introducing the Transit Master
Plan”
• Benefits and Costs – “Highlighting the Impacts”
• Appendix A - Urban Bus Network Enhancements
TMP Implementation Strategy (separately-bound
document)
Walkable communities in Washtenaw County

TMP Funding Options (in preparation – to be

released upon completion)
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Plan Development: Emphasis on Public Outreach
• Phase 1: 7 major community events plus 11
organizations
• Phase 2: 20 public meetings
• Phase 3: 20 public meetings
• MovingYouForward web site
• Many additional presentations, one-on-one
meetings
• Newsletters
• Email, social media
• Advertising
– TV
– Radio
– Print

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Transit Services Today in Washtenaw County
• TheRide
– Fixed route bus network in and around the cities
of Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor
– Door-to-door service
– Express services (Chelsea and Canton)
– Purchase Of Service Agreements (POSA)
• University of Michigan fixed route The WAVE inter-urban bus between Chelsea, Dexter
network and the edge of Ann Arbor

• The WAVE
• The People’s Express
• Manchester Area Senior Services
• AMTRAK’s Wolverine service
• Private services (Michigan Flyer, Greyhound and The Wolverine AMTRAK service from Chicago to Detroit and
Pontiac calling at Ann Arbor
Mega Bus, Taxis, Limousines)
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 4 transit
PEX operators in
WWAVE
the County

Paratransit
services are
often limited by
Manchester Senior time of day,
Services eligibility and
PEX
trip purpose
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Key Transit Issues in Washtenaw County

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 Key Transit Issues in Washtenaw County
• Transit Dependents – Insufficient access to lifeline
destinations
• Congestion – Increasing road congestion
• Regional Economy - Lack of transit connectivity throughout
the County
• Aging Population - Increasing mobility needs due to an
aging population
• Choice Riders - Transit currently has limited appeal to
choice riders
• Youth – Attracting young people to Washtenaw County and
public transit

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 Transit and Land Use
• Housing in a variety of forms and price ranges and
creating opportunities for affordable housing
• Lifestyles and communities for those without private
cars
• Work, shop and play locally
• Identifiable, walkable, and bikable, neighborhoods
• Highlighting transportation alternatives and increasing
transit ridership
• Decreasing auto dependency and exhaust emissions
• Creating more street activity and safer neighborhoods
• Stimulating the redevelopment of brownfield sites and
disadvantaged areas
• Revitalizing commercial corridors and older
communities
• Increasing property values of vacant and underused
land 15
 Transit Master Plan – The Services
Strategy 1: Essential Services Countywide
• Door-to-Door Countywide
• Flex-Ride Services
Strategy 2: Countywide Connections
• Enhanced WAVE Service
• Countywide Express Services
• Local Community Circulators
Strategy 3: Urban Bus Network Improvements
• Urban Bus Network Enhancements
• Downtown Circulator
• Bus Priority Measures
Strategy 4: High Capacity Transit
Strategy 5: Regional Connections
• Airport Shuttle and Taxi
• Car / Vanpooling
• Regional Commuter Rail
Learning from Others……
Sidebars, photos showing examples
from communities elsewhere
Strategy 6: Making Connections
• Transit Center Upgrades / New
Multi-Modal Interchange
• Local Transit Hubs
• Park & Ride Intercept Lots
• Stop Quality and Facility
Enhancements
Strategy 7: Integrating Transit into the Community
• Walkability
• Biking
Strategy 8: Integrated Systems - Ticketing
Strategy 9: Integrated Systems – Information
• Mobility Mgmt or Travel Planning
• Travel Training
• Information
• Marketing
Strategy 10: Vehicle Enhancements
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 Transit’s Natural Allies: Walking and Biking
Walkability
Creating sidewalks will improve walkability and provide
safe, level access to transit services.

Biking
More bike lanes, stands and biking facilities to support
and encourage biking in and around local communities,
both as a way to access transit and as a healthy mode of
transportation.

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 Transit Master Plan – System-wide Improvements

• Mobility Management or Travel

Planning Learning from others
Smart Phone Applications in Dundee, UK
• Travel Training
• Marketing
• Integrated Systems – Information
• Integrated Systems – Ticketing
• Vehicle Improvements

Learning from others

In the Tyne and Wear region of the UK,

Nexus, the regional transportation authority
has recently launched the Pop smartcard.
The new smartcard can carry season tickets
as well as money for passengers to pay as
they ride.

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 Ridership Growth
Annual Passenger Demand in 2040 (Millions)

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 Highlights of Community Benefits
Local Community Impact (2040) Impact

Urban Transit Mode Share (peak period) 12.2%

2010 Base = 6.2%
Rural Transit Mode Share (peak period) 5.5%
2010 Base = 0.3%
Car Trips Taken Off the Road 5.4M
(Annual peak period)
Transit Trips (annual) 32.2M
2010 Base = 12.2m
Additional New Jobs Created 1830

Reduction in Number of Serious Road Accidents -111

(Annual)
Senior Population within 10 minutes Walk of Fixed Route Transit 94%
2010 Base = 66%
Reduction in Emissions -701
(annual tons CO, NOx, VOC)

Dollar Value of Benefits = $275 million

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 Transit Impacts on Land Use Patterns

• Focus development in those areas

that can best accommodate it.
• Preserve natural and agricultural
areas;
• Protect the rural character of
smaller communities
• Creating walkable, bikeable, transit
oriented developments with mixed
land use and higher densities
where appropriate.
• Reduced cost of service for ALL
infrastructure providers (water,
sewer, gas, roads, etc)

SOURCE: Washtenaw County Comprehensive Plan

 Impact on Property Values
Studies over two decades (Cervero et al, 2004) show average housing value premiums
associated with being near a station (usually expressed as being within ¼ to ½ mile of a
station) are:
• 6.4% in Philadelphia
• 6.7% in Boston,
• 10.6% in Portland,
• 17% in San Diego,
• 20% in Chicago,
• 24% in Dallas, and
• 45% in Santa Clara County.

In Massachusetts an analysis of the data shows that the median price of single-family homes
nearly doubled in 19 communities after MBTA (Commuter Rail) was introduced.

DART system in Dallas: The average change in land values from 1997 to 2001 for retail and
residential properties near DART stops was 25% and 32% respectively, compared with
changes of 12% and 20% for areas without light rail.

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 Annual Operating Costs
Total Operating Expenditure and Washtenaw’s Share Washtenaw Operating Expenditure by Mode - 2040

National Historical Breakdown of Operating Funding

Sources – 15 Year Avg

Incremental Washtenaw Operating

Expense = $60.8 M / Year (2040)

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$283 million = capital cost over 30 years
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(Incremental increase – Washtenaw County)
 Historical Breakdown of Capital Funding Sources
National 20-Year Average

Source: APTA Fact Book 26

 Return on Investment
There’s a strong case for transit investment in
Washtenaw County. For every $1 spent, over $3
benefits are generated within the community .

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 Urban Bus Network Enhancements
• West Ann Arbor area – simplification of the network and
extension of coverage beyond the city limits
• Ypsilanti area services –coverage, length of ride and
operating hours and days
• Extensions / enhanced service to the East Medical Center,
Whittaker Road Library, Willow Run Airport, EMU, St. Joseph
Mercy Hospital, and other urban/suburban areas within the
surrounding townships
• Increased service frequency on key corridors
• Reduction in one way loop services

Full Appendix with Details

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 Volume 2

Implementation Strategy – Long Range

Years Years Years

Theme
1-5 6-15 16-30

Enhanced urban bus 60% 40% 0%

Countywide fixed route services 60% 40% 0%

Countywide door-to-door services 75% 25% 0%

Regional connections 10% 80% 10%

High capacity transit 3% 72% 25%

Local & downtown environments 25% 75% 0%

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 Implementation Strategy – Near Term
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4
THEME PROPOSAL TASK
A Regional Connections Airport Shuttle Service Planning
Contracting
Recruit / Training
Marketing / Launch ●
B Countywide fixed route services Enhanced WAVE Service Service Planning
Procure Vehicles
Recruit / Training
Marketing / Launch ●
C Countywide door-to-door services Door-to-door Countywide Service Specification / issue ITT
Flex-Ride Service Concessioning (bid + evaluation)
Provider Mobilisation
Marketing / Launch ●
D Countywide fixed route services Countywide Express Services - Chelsea / Dexter Service Planning
Countywide Express Services - Saline / Milan / Manch'r Procure Vehicles
Countywide Express Services - Canton / Livonia Recruit / Training
Bus vehicle improvements Marketing / Launch ●
E Countywide door-to-door and Local Transit Hubs - support Countywide Express and Door-to- Planning/Design
fixed route services Consultation
Tendering
Construction
F Countywide fixed route services Park & Ride Intercept Lots (Phase 1) Planning/Design
Consultation
Tendering
Construction
G Enhanced Urban Bus Downtown Circulator Service Planning
Phase 1 Urban Bus Network Enhancements - Extended Hours 1 Recruit / Training
Marketing / Launch ●
H Enhanced Urban Bus Urban Bus Network Enhancements - New / Altered Services Service Planning
Phase 2 Urban Bus Network Enhancements - Increased Frequency 2 Consultation
Bus vehicle improvements Procure Vehicles
Recruit / Training
Marketing / Launch ●

Key
• Airport Shuttle • Urban Bus Network Enhancements
Countywide Services

• Enhanced WAVE • Express Bus Services Urban Bus Services

Infrastructure
• Door-to-door Countywide • Park and Ride EnhancementsFacilitation/Support Services
Flex-Ride Service Countywide And more…
Major Projects - Planning/Funding
• •

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 Vision to Reality: Regional Partnerships

• Service operators – current and potential

– WAVE
– People’s Express
– Manchester Senior Services
– Private Operators (Coach services, limousines,
taxis, etc)
• Providers of services and facilities
– Bikeways, Sidewalks, Roadways
• Local Governments
• Major employers
• Public institutions (education, health care,
etc)
• Land Use Planners
• Community Advocates
Monitoring and Updating The Plan

TheRide’s Continuous Planning Cycle

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Countywide Transit Governance

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 Act 55 vs Act 196
TheRide currently operates under Act 55
• Limited to City limits + 10 miles
• Fractured service area with
– Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti (millage)
– Superior Township, Ypsilanti Township and Pittsfield Township (POSA)
Switching to an Act 196
• Allows for countywide/regional service
• More efficient and streamlined service delivery
• Representation from throughout the county for cities,
villages, and townships
 Metamorphosis: Transition to Countywide Transit
Organization

Act 7 Entities
Community
Unincorporated Act 196 Authority
Leader
196 Board “Washtenaw Transit”
Discussions

• Act 7 Agreements • Refine service plan • Adopt implementation

Activities

• Establish Governance for Board • Detail governance (articles, Strategy

Representation bylaws) • Pursue Funding
• Explore funding options • Phase-in and Operate
Services

• AATA and WATS • Financial Advisory Committee • AATA staff transfer to “WT”
Support

• AATA, small providers, and WATS • Assets transfer to “WT”

• Service Planning Committee of • Additional staff as needed
community experts and advisors
 Governance Update
• NE –Act 7 agreement, going to Boards May - July

• NM – Two communities before Act 7 negotiation

• West – four communities before Act 7 negotiation

• SM – Three communities before Act 7 negotiation

• SE – one community before Act 7 negotiation

• Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Pittsfield – no Act 7 needed

Countywide Transit Funding

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 Potential Funding Options
Timeframe Option Action Needed
On-going Fares Authority decision
On-going Advertising and Authority decision
concessions
On-going State and Federal grants Authority decision

Near term Property tax millage Voter referendum

Mid-term Local vehicle or gas tax State legislation

Longer-term Sales tax, other Constitutional amendment;

State legislation

Other options as identified in the Funding Options report*

*In preparation, for future release 39
 Funding Decision-Making Process
• Create Funding Advisory Committee
• Mission
– Analyze / validate / critique / reality check
– Scope: Local and State, private sector, fares and
other revenue
– Recommendations
• Dedicated, stable, fair funding sources
• Near term and longer term
• Forward recommendations to 196 uBoard

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Local Government Perspective

Panel Discussion

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 Panelists
• Jesse Bernstein, Board Chair, TheRide –
Moderator
• Panelists
– Pat Kelly, Supervisor, Dexter Township
– Gretchen Driskell, Mayor, City of Saline
– John Hieftje, Mayor, City of Ann Arbor
– Jim Carson, Trustee, Village of Dexter
– Mandy Grewal, Supervisor, Pittsfield Township

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Questions? Comments?

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 Wrap-Up

Closing Remarks

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 Role of TheRide
• County’s largest service provider
• Has the staff and expertise to create the plan
• Plan is offered as a starting point to the citizens
of Washtenaw County
• However, the Act 196 Board will:
– Refine / revise plan as appropriate
– Create new organizational framework
– Recommend funding mechanisms
 Help Us Get the Word Out
– Your Organization or Business
• Newsletters
• Web site, social media
– Personally
• Continue the conversation through networking, publicity, feedback
• Submit Op-eds / participate in
interviews
• Invite us to present at additional
meetings
• Participate in online community
discussions
– Pick up your Toolkit
– Talk to your state and local
elected officials 46
Thank You