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Politics & Government

Transportation Authority Looks to Long-Term Goals for County

Dexter residents learn of plans to expand transit choices in the area.

The future of mass transit in the Dexter area is a work in progress.

That's what residents attending a community forum at learned Wednesday during an Ann Arbor Transportation Authority forum.

Michael Benham, special assistant for strategic planning for AATA, told the audience that in the coming years, residents in the Dexter area can expect more access to the WAVE (Western Washtenaw Area Value Express) shuttle service, more door-to-door service, and a shuttle to Detroit Metro Airport.

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"That's a tangible benefit for people like us in more rural parts of the county," township supervisor Pat Kelly said.

Benham said that services like the WAVE bus in Chelsea, which has a regular rotation of stops from Chelsea to Ann Arbor at certain times of the day, are especially appealing to seniors.

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Benham shared three possible scenarios at the forum being considered for the AATA's new master transit plan, which includes car, bus and rail transit along with bicycling and walking plans.

One is being dubbed the "lifeline plus" option. This would improve services largely where they exist today, and double current service to hubs in Dexter and Chelsea, he said.

The "accessible county" option would add more hubs in places like Manchester, Saline and Whitmore Lake as well as express services between Dexter and Ann Arbor.

The most elaborate scenario involves adding more local transit hubs and express services throughout the county. It would also add regional rail services, including a Washtenaw Avenue Corridor and an Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter rail.  

The AATA is asking county residents to choose which plan they think would best serve the county. The AATA's board will vote on the most popular choice and then voters would have to approve the funding for it. Half the funding would most likely come from the federal government, and the other half from state and local governments, bus fares, and possibly private contributions, Benham said.

The AATA will present a forum at the from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 23. For more information, visit www.MovingYouForward.org.

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