Something about the Chelsea to Ann Arbor Bus from the AATA.

And I have been on one of these buses and they are really nice Coach-type buses.   Read on . . .

AATA seeks interested commuters for express bus service from Chelsea

Commuters to Ann Arbor from Chelsea and western Washtenaw County will have a new transportation option beginning May 15, 2008 when the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) will begin operation of a new express bus service.

The service will be operated Monday through Friday on a twice-daily basis between the Arctic Coliseum ice arena, near I-94 in Chelsea, and four bus stops in Ann Arbor.

According to AATA Manager of Service Development Chris White, the express bus service will be operated by Indian Trails, Inc. as a pilot service. A federal grant will pay the cost of operation not covered by passenger fares.

Comfortable, over-the road coaches will be used, offering such amenities as upholstered high-backed seats, reading lights and overhead storage.

“AATA is pleased to offer express bus service for commuters as a cost-saving option for getting to and from work in the face of rising fuel costs, as well as offering those extras that will make their daily trips more enjoyable,” White said.

“This service adds a new component to our ongoing effort to reduce the number of vehicles coming into downtown Ann Arbor and the impact those vehicles have on our environment,” White added.

Early-morning trips will leave the Arctic Coliseum in Chelsea at 6:09 and 7:08 a.m.; stop at Huron and Ashley, Huron and Fifth, and Huron and Fletcher; and arrive at Ann and Observatory streets in Ann Arbor at 6:40 and 7:45 a.m.. The time schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Return trips in the afternoon will depart from Ann and Observatory at 3:44 and 5:12 p.m.; make stops at Huron and Fletcher, Huron and Fifth and Huron and Ashley; and arrive at the Arctic Coliseum in Chelsea at 4:15 and 5:44 p.m.

A map and schedule will be posted on the AATA web site, www.TheRide.org.

The service will be made available to commuters on a prepaid, monthly basis. AATA’s board of directors has set an introductory monthly fare of $125.

Unlike conventional transit service, riders will pay on a monthly basis, which will guarantee them a seat. AATA will only sell as many monthly passes for each trip as there are seats on the bus. No standing riders will be permitted.

AATA is offering interested commuters the opportunity to try the weekday service — free — from May 15-20. Reservations for free seats will be accepted through April 29, as space remains available.

Riders who decide to continue riding on the service must then submit their June payment by May 21 to guarantee their seats for that month.

To learn more about the service, or sign up to be eligible for a seat for the free trial period, commuters may e-mail to rideshare@aata.org, or call 734.677.3922.