WATS Up: October 2021

October 2021

Welcome to the October 2021 edition of WATS Up, the monthly newsletter for Washtenaw Area Transportation Study! October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. Learn More

WATS Agency Updates

Join us for a public meeting tonight!

WATS is inviting members of the public to join us in discussing the 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program and its development. The public meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, Oct 21 from 6-7 pm. Meeting information can be viewed at www.miwats.org/shapethefuture.

Upcoming TIP Pop-up Information Booths

Saturday, Oct 23 - Ypsilanti Farmers Market - 9am-1pm
Wednesday, Oct 27 - Ann Arbor Farmers Market - 7am-3pm

Interested in learning more about the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)? Check out this WATS video.

WATS is pleased to release minor revisions to the Public Participation Plan for a 45-day comment period. Members of the public are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft plan.

View the 2021 Draft Plan

Final project surveys are available for the Route Ypsilanti tactical urbanism project in the City of Ypsilanti. You can access a survey for each of the four piloted streets on the project website. The surveys close on November 1, 2021.

View Surveys

Up On The Blog

Thu, Oct 21

Developing transportation projects that Shape the Future: for a safer, more inclusive, and more sustainable transportation system

By Suzann Flowers

One of the most rewarding parts of transportation planning at WATS is helping local agencies secure federal transportation dollars that help build projects we see in our communities.

What We’re Reading

A2GO Autonomous Shuttle Service Launches In Ann Arbor On October 11. Read More

U.S. 23 Flex Route north of Ann Arbor has reduced crashes, receives high approval rating, report says. Read More

Is October the most dangerous month for pedestrians? What drivers and pedestrians need to know. Read More

Partner Agency Updates

TheRide is developing their Long-Range Plan called TheRide 2045. TheRide invites the public to help choose the best transit options by providing comments from now until November 19. Learn More

WAVE Celebrates 45 Years of Service. On Monday, October 25, 2021 WAVE is offering free rides to everyone on all of their bus services. On Tuesday 10/26 through Saturday 10/30, WAVE is inviting the public to share thoughts on what the future of transit could look like in western Washtenaw communities. Learn More

Did You Know?

WATS anticipates over $36 million in federal funds to be available for local agencies across Washtenaw County during the fiscal years 2024-2026. View a map of projects being considered for federal funds HERE and join us for an upcoming WATS Committee meeting, as members, staff, and the public discuss how to allocate these competitive funds.

Get Involved!

Check out the WATS Calendar for upcoming meetings and webinars.