Free parking for downtown workers – is it just a myth? Absolutely not! There is a brand new free parking lot that all Ann Arborites, especially those of us working downtown, will want to know about. This hotspot not only provides commuters with free parking, but also gives them a lift to their office door in warmth and comfort. It opened early opened up earlier this week, so you’ll want to get in on the action before it gets crowded with other commuters…so where is this new free parking location?

Plymouth Rd Park & Ride Lot

The Park & Ride Lot up at Plymouth Rd and US-23. Within a day of opening there were many commuters who knew about this lot and were using it. The new Route 2 connects to this Park & Ride Lot, as well as the Green Road Park & Ride Lot and commuters who work at the U of M Medical Center, U of M Central Campus or Downtown Ann Arbor will be served well by both of these locations. From the Plymouth Road Lot at peak commuting times, the ride takes between 15-25 minutes. Sure you could drive that distance in your car, but then you’d have to spend additional time driving up to the top of your parking structure to leave your car. Why not hop on the bus and take that last few minutes of your commute to enjoy the warmth of the bus while reading a magazine or listening to a podcast. You have to walk to your office anyway, why not be dropped off at a bus stop rested and ready to start your day.

Park & Ride Lots Save You Money

Commuting from Park & Ride lots can save you $1050 a year if you park in a DDA parking structure. If you have a go!pass, that savings is $1500 a year. Employers looking to cut down on their monthly expenses could ditch the parking pass and know that their employees – even those who don’t live in Ann Arbor – can get to work safely on the bus.

Which Park & Ride Lot works best for you?

If you live in Canton, Ypsilanti, or points east the Park & Ride Lots at Green and Plymouth are easily accessed by M-14 and US-23. If you live south of Ann Arbor, the Pioneer High Park & Ride or the State Street Park & Ride Lot are great options. And if you live in Chelsea, Dexter or points north of Ann Arbor, the Miller Road Park & Ride gives you quick and easy access to Downtown, Central Campus and the Medical Center. Check here for the routes to find which Park & Ride has the best service for where you need to go.

Emergency

What if you have to stay late at work, for a last-minute meeting with a client or a dinner out with your co-workers? Bus service to the Plymouth Rd. P&R as well as the Miller Rd P&R goes late.  If you have to stay until 10:00pm, you can still get a bus from Blake Transit Center that will take you up to your car. (This is done on request – call 996-4000, or ask your driver, for more details.) And if you have to stay later than that – between 11:00pm and 6:00am, the Night Ride can take you up to your car for $1 with your go!pass (or $5 without).

So now you’ll know why your fellow co-workers always show up at work more cheerful, and can afford an extra coffee or two during the week. So join them! Be a commuter who saves money, has a quick and easy ride to downtown (one that doesn’t include spending ten minutes in your parking structure circling up to your parking spot!) by hopping on the bus at the Park & Ride Lot.