There was an interesting Other Voices piece in the Ann Arbor News on Sunday suggesting that the AATA should find a way to provide their bus service for free.

There are also a lot of comments about this from readers of the article.

How does the author suggest AATA can go fare free?  He says:

“Without fare revenues, how could the AATA cover operating costs? The answer is that the AATA can lower its costs by cutting out the slack in its operation. I compared for 2005 the operating costs per bus of the AATA with the average operating costs per bus of systems in Knoxville, Tenn., and in Lincoln, Neb.; and other Michigan bus systems.

The AATA total operating cost per bus was 34 percent higher than the average of the sample of the comparably sized bus systems in the United States and was 68 percent higher than the average of the other Michigan bus systems. Nor is this result unique to the choice of the two comparison groups - in the entire 2005 National Transit Database of 368 publicly operated city bus systems in the United States, only 49 had total operating costs per bus higher than the AATA, and many of those 49 were in much larger cities than Ann Arbor (and larger cities have higher wage rates and higher land prices). A phased-in loss of its fare revenue would force the AATA to find ways to provide its services more cost effectively.”

I am not arguing with his logic.  I only ask for folks to be cautious about comparing one bus system to another.  Just because a town is the same size as Ann Arbor, it doesn’t mean that the service is the same.  What sort of services do Knoxville and Lincoln operate?  Do they have the type of services we have for persons with disabilities?  Without some of these questions answered, you can’t just assume that all bus systems are created equal.

I also don’t disagree that there might be some “slack” in the operations at the AATA.  But as someone who works very closely with the AATA I know that they are doing what they can to cut back costs, and it’s not easy.

I am going to email the AATA to see what response they might have on this issue.

At the same time, the AATA does offer a free bus service in the downtown.  It’s called The LINK.  Also, through go!passes and the MCARD, UM students, faculty and staff as well as downtown employees can get unlimited rides on the bus.  However, while the rides are free to the cardholders, the UM pays the AATA for this service, and the DDA pays getDowntown for go!passes.

Just my two cents.  For anyone who really wants to understand how the AATA works, I recommend coming to an AATA Board Meeting.  The next meeting is Weds. Sept 17th starting at 7:30pm.

FYI:

JOB POSTING: Clean Energy Project ManagerJOB POSTING:

Project Manager

Organization: Clean Energy Coalition (CEC)
Status: Regular/Full-time
Location: 124 Pearl St., Suite 402, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Reports To: Executive Director
Salary: $30,000 to $45,000
Filing Dates: Position Open Until Filled

Job Summary

The Clean Energy Coalition, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Washtenaw County, Michigan, seeks a Project Manager to assist in the development and implementation of the organization’s energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and events which serve a statewide target market.  Current project areas include solar energy, clean transportation, residential and commercial energy efficiency, as well as the coordination of four annual events with attendance totaling over 6,000.  The Project Manager works under the guidance of the Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required in business administration, public administration, city and regional planning, economics, political science, natural resource management, social work, or any related fields, or equivalent work experience in the above mentioned areas.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and implementation.
• Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills.
• Self-starter, detail-oriented, enthusiastic, innovative, and capable of meeting challenges and deadlines.
• Team player with trouble-shooting and exceptional multi-tasking skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven commitment to energy and environmental issues.
• Solid computer skills including proficiency in using basic Microsoft and/or similar software products such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, email, web, database applications, and capacity to work in Mac OS environment.
• Experience with environmental, energy efficiency, and/or renewable energy projects preferred.
  

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Create and execute project work plans, and revise as appropriate, to meet changing needs and requirements of CEC projects and events.
• Manage day-to-day operational aspects of CEC projects and scope.
• Develop and execute marketing plans designed to secure the interest and financial sponsorship commitments from business and corporate sponsors.
• Conduct ongoing evaluation of projects and make recommendations for improvements to the Executive Director.
• Contribute to written communication materials such as newsletter, web site, fact sheets, news releases, presentations, grant proposals, and reports.
• Oversee part-time interns and volunteers.
• Coordinate digital, print, and voice communications.
• Provide oversight, implementation, tracking, and reporting on grant related activities as prescribed by each individual grant.
• Attend community forums, meetings, and events, and make individual and public presentations on CEC’s mission, services, and needs when necessary.
• Act as a spokesperson for the Clean Energy Coalition.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned and collaborate with other staff on work as needed.
  

Salary & Benefits

• $30,000 to $45,000
• Competitive benefits package.
  

Application Details

• This position is open until filled.
• Candidates for part-time flexible position also will be considered.
• The Clean Energy Coalition is an equal opportunity employer.
• No phone inquiries please.
• Qualified individuals please submit a writing sample, resume, and a letter addressed to:
  

Sean Reed, Executive Director
Clean Energy Coalition
124 Pearl St., Suite 402
Ypsilanti, MI 48197