AATA Welcomes Two New Board Members

ANN ARBOR, MI – Two new board members – Anya Dale and Roger Kerson – have been welcomed to the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) following their recent appointments by Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje with the approval of city council. Dale was appointed on May 17 and Kerson on June 7.

Dale brings to TheRide a passion for the environment, having focused much of her recent effort on encouraging sustainable land use and transportation. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in environmental biology/zoology and a Masters from Eastern Michigan University in urban and regional planning.

Dale has gained experience ranging from writing agricultural conservation and wetland restoration plans to caring for African fruit bats and coordinating annual crane count events.

Professionally, she is a project manager with the Washtenaw County Department of Economic Development and Energy. Her work includes oversight for Re-imagine Washtenaw and several energy-related projects. Dale also provides support to projects awarded the Washtenaw County Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.

Of her appointment to the board, Dale said, “As someone who walks and buses to work, I am thrilled to join the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority board. I hope my technical background, volunteer experience and passion will enable me to bring a new perspective to the board and work with the community to develop a vision for how public transit can better serve the region.



Kerson is a media consultant at RK Communications, providing public relations, advertising, social media strategy and other services to labor unions, businesses and non-profit organizations. His current projects include media relations and advertising for “Save Our Ride”, a labor-community coalition advocating enhanced support of public transit agencies across the nation.

Kerson previously served as director of public relations at the United Auto Workers, where he helped lead the union’s successful advocacy campaign for aid for the auto industry in 2008 and 2009. His writings have appeared in various publications, including the Chicago Sun Times, The Michigan Voice and Washington Monthly.

Kerson’s community service activities include serving on the board of the Washtenaw County chapter of ACLU Michigan and the Ann Arbor Housing and Human Services Advisory Board. His leadership positions have included two terms as vice president of UAW Local 1981, the National Writers Union and three years as president of the Ecology Center board of directors.

Kerson lives in Ann Arbor with his wife, Robin Kaplan, and two daughters.

“I'm committed to maintaining the highest possible quality of service for AATA riders -- and to working with fellow board members and staff to create cleaner, greener transportation alternatives in our community," said Kerson about his appointment to the board.

Notice of Temporary Traffic Control Plan BROADWAY (SWIFT TO PLYMOUTH)

Press release from the City of Ann Arbor on upcoming traffic control plan for Broadway.


Notice of Temporary Traffic Control Plan


BROADWAY (SWIFT TO PLYMOUTH)

June 21 – August 6, 2010



Location and Limits of Affected Area:

Broadway from Swift St to Plymouth Rd



Description of Work:

Road resurfacing



Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan:

Two-way traffic will be maintained, but will be reduced to one lane in each direction.


During this work the traffic may experience delays within the areas influenced by this work. Detour signs will not be posted for this construction; however the motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. To maintain the safety of all, please reduce speeds and drive cautiously through work zones. We thank you in advance for your patience as these necessary public infrastructure improvements are completed.




Project Contacts:

City of Ann Arbor

Elizabeth Rolla, P.E., Senior Project Manager (734) 323-7156

Rob Wagner, Civil Engineering Specialist, (734) 323-5604



Barrett Paving Materials, Inc.

Bill Householder, Construction Contractor, (313) 363-2579

Michigan Moving on ‘Complete Streets’

The following is a blog post from the Michigan Land Use Institute. Find more MLUI blog posts here.

This week a state House committee will review two bills aimed at supporting “Complete Streets” initiatives across Michigan.

If you like to walk or bike, the bills, HB 6151-6152, deserve your support. They would help communities and road agencies design streets and reconstruct roads so that everyone can use them-walkers, bikers, trucks and cars. In case you haven’t noticed while driving around in recent years, biking and walking are gaining popularity as gas prices increase and more people look for alternative modes of transportation.

The League of Michigan Bicyclists’ John Lindenmayer, one of the main leaders of the Michigan Complete Streets Coalition, even argues that the bills are potential boosters for Michigan’s lagging economy.

“Not only do complete streets make roadways safer by reducing accidents and making it easier for walkers and bikers to share the roads with cars,” Mr. Lindenmayer said, “they also stimulate economic growth by increasing property values and facilitating development.

“It’s the wave of the future,” he added, “and in cities across the country it’s also an indicator of healthy, sustainable development.”

So far Lansing lawmakers have heard from a wide and diverse range of organizations supporting the bills, including AARP, the Michigan Environmental Council, and the Michigan Municipal League. While there is great support for the bills, one state agency is standing in the way their passage.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants to make sure that these bills don’t end up creating unintended consequences for road builders.

But supporters of the bill point out that there’s more than a little irony in that concern.

Tim Fisher, of the Michigan Environmental Council, said that, “the unintended consequences of the current system makes it often unsafe for pedestrians. If we can avoid injury and other types of unintended consequences caused when bikes and cars collide, then we are making progress.”

Mr. Fisher points out that the Complete Streets bills leave room for communities to decide how to design roadways that accommodate all users of all ages. It’s a way to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists, and cars are able to share the right of ways with out creating dangerous circumstances for each other. The idea is to facilitate better working relations between the state transportation department and the communities it serves.

Traverse City’s mayor points out that the communitywide sentiment documented by the Grand Vision planning project makes the bills particularly important in that region.

“The Grand Vision talks about an overwhelming desire for streets that serve all uses because that’s what the citizens want,” Mayor Chris Bzdok explained. “Most of the main thoroughfares that cut through our region’s cities and villages are state roads, making it really important for a Complete Streets approach.

“Whether we are talking about Division Street in Traverse City, M-22 in Suttons Bay, or M-131 in Kalkaska,” he added, “these are state-owned roads that run through our neighborhoods. Completing these important roadways is vital to our region’s economic prosperity.”

Over the last 50 years Michigan residents have moved further away from their jobs and commercial centers and, as a result, planners and engineers have struggled to accommodate more automobile traffic on city roads.

Traditionally, the solution has always been wider roads with more car lanes. But not only have more lanes failed to relieve congestion, they have actually harmed communities: Too often, people cannot walk or bike safely along or across these multi-lane barriers, which harms property values and diminishes quality of life.

This legislation will help shift road designers’ emphasis away from an “autos only” mindset and toward inclusion of pedestrians and bikers as legitimate users of our public roadways. It’s a win for everyone.

That is why MLUI strongly supports passage of these bills.

The bills could be voted out of committee this week, so groups around the state are encouraging citizens to contact their lawmakers by phone or email and ask them to support it. After the committee vote, if it’s successful, the bills will move to the floor of the House of Representatives for a full vote.

Here’s a list of the members of the House Committee on Transportation and Commerce, who will decide whether the bill can move forward:

■pambyrnes@house.mi.gov,
■andrewkandrevas@house.mi.gov,
■mariedonigan@house.mi.gov,
■douglasgeiss@house.mi.gov,
■martingriffin@house.mi.gov,
■HaroldHaugh@house.mi.gov,
■gabeleland@house.mi.gov,
■JudyNerat@house.mi.gov,
■RoySchmidt@house.mi.gov,
■ColemanAYoungII@house.mi.gov,
■paulopsommer@house.mi.gov,
■JamesBolger@house.mi.gov,
■LarryDeShazor@house.mi.gov,
■martyknollenberg@house.mi.gov,
■tompearce@house.mi.gov,
■WayneSchmidt@house.mi.gov,
■PaulScott@house.mi.gov
Please drop a line to as many of them as you can and let them know your thoughts on having Complete Streets in Michigan!

Brian Beauchamp, a policy specialist at the Michigan Land Use Institute, bikes to work even when it’s raining. Reach him at brian@mlui.org.

A look at the Cost of Transportation by the Center for Neighborhood Technology

What is the true cost of housing when one factors in the cost of transportation? The map below shows the cost of housing and transportation in the Washtenaw County area.

Explore the interactive map below to learn more about the housing and transportation affordability index.

H+T Affordability Index: Ann Arbor, MI: Comparing Housing Costs - % Income to Housing and Transportation Costs - % Income The Housing + Transportation Affordability Index is an innovative tool that measures the true affordability of housing based on its location.

© Copyright 2003-10 Center for Neighborhood Technology
2125 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 · Tel: (773) 278-4800 · Fax: (773) 278-3840

You can learn more about CNT by visiting their website at cnt.org

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN

CITY OF ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

Project Management Services Unit
100 N. Fifth Avenue, P.O. Box 8647
P.O. Box 8647, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48107-8647
Phone: (734) 794-6410 Fax: (734) 994-1744
Web: www.a2gov.org

Printed on recycled paper
Homayoon Pirooz, P.E., Manager
(734) 794-6411
For Immediate Release
May 12, 2010

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN
S. STATE STREET AND E. WASHINGTON STREET
MONDAY, MAY17, 2010 TO SATURDAY MAY 22, 2010

Location and Limits of Affected Area:
S. State Street from Huron to Washington and E. Washington from S. State to Fletcher.

Description of Construction:
Streets and sidewalks repairs by the U. Of M. North Quad Project.

Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan:
Beginning May 17, 2010 Traffic will be detoured around the North Quad site. The intersection of S. State and E. Washington will remain open to at least one lane of “turning” traffic. Traffic will be detoured around the site using Washington to the West, Division, Huron, Fletcher, N. University and State.

Pedestrian traffic will be maintained on at least one side of the streets at all times.

Refer to the enclosed map for further details.

Project Contacts (City of Ann Arbor):
Alison Heatley, Project Engineer, 794-6410x43621
Tim Towles, Civil Engineering Specialist, 323-6526

Project Contacts
Christman Constructors, Inc.
Brendan Raftery, Project Manager, (734) 327-5999
Walbridge Aldinger
Mike Hubert, Project Superintendant, (313) 220-6546

National anti-texting campaign

The US Department of Transportation has picked up on an anti-text messaging campaign by AT&T wireless. USDOT even made a post on their blog with links to videos, posters and more information about the campaign. One of the heart wrenching videos from the campaign is shown below.



Check out the USDOT blog post and access more information on the anti-text messaging campaign by clicking on the link below.

http://fastlane.dot.gov/2010/03/new-antitexting-campaign-breaks-hearts-and-unsafe-habits.html

A2 Journal Letter to the editor: Why should local taxpayers fund roads in other states?

Andrew McCune of Saline sent in this great letter to the editor that was published in the A2Jounral. Do you think Andrew's solution is feasible? What else can Michigan residents do to get back more of the money we pay at the pump?

As our roads and bridges continue to deteriorate and thousands of Michigan residents remain unemployed, a developing scenario would use Michigan tax dollars to fund road and bridge construction in other states.

Our elected representatives in Lansing have the opportunity to avoid this scenario; however, lack of leadership, political posturing and inaction by our legislature is going to result in our federal gas tax dollars going to other states for their road construction.

The federal surface transportation act known as SAFETEA-LU (Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users) requires that states provide a 20 percent match on all federally funded projects. In the next fiscal year, Michigan will not have adequate revenue to provide the match.

As the budget currently stands, Michigan will fall $84 million short of our required matching funds, resulting in $475 million sent back to Washington for redistribution to other states. This number climbs to $2 billion over the next four years. These dollars that Michigan will be sending back to Washington are generated through the federal gas tax that Michigan residents pay each time they fill their gas tanks.

It's a well-known fact that quality transportation system is a key factor in attracting and maintaining business in any state. Businesses do not want to locate in a state that has failing infrastructure and no funding to maintain roads. If we fail to adequately fund our road and bridge projects in Michigan, it will become all the more difficult to attract business to Michigan.

In addition, transportation supports thousands of jobs within Michigan. Without a small revenue increase, more than 17,000 jobs are projected to be lost. Lack of adequate road funding will further Michigan's economic crisis. An increase in transportation funding is supported by not only the transportation industry, but also the American Manufacturing Association, the trucking industry and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Solutions have been introduced in both the Michigan Senate and House in the form of two bills -- SB862 and HB5768-5770. Each of these bills calls for increasing the state gasoline tax by 4 cents a gallon in 2010 and again in 2013, the first increase since 1997. The average motorist would pay an additional 50 cents per week under these bills.

Although introduced, legislation sits stalled in both the Senate and the House. Leadership in Michigan's Senate and House of Representatives doesn't want to take on a revenue increase during an election year. So while the politicians continue to posture and position for their jobs in our government, Michigan taxpayers will be funding transportation projects in other states. This should be unimaginable and unacceptable to every Michigan resident.

The answer is simple: Generate enough revenue to capture our fair share of the federal funds to fix Michigan's deteriorating infrastructure.

Andrew McCune

Saline

Transportation Planning Meets Mobile Phone Technology

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority has released a new application for the iPhone and Android mobile phone operating systems. The app will prompt the user to enter the trip purpose at the beginning of one's bicycle trip. After that, information on trip route, travel time and time of day and week the trip takes place is uploaded in real time to the Transportation Authority. This information is used to help transportation planners and travel modelers better understand the needs of cyclists.

WATS is excited to see this new integration of mobile phone technology and transportation planning and will continue to track the progress and success of the San Francisco program.

Here is a link to an article on the San Fransisco based application.

What do you think? If it becomes available would you be interested in participating with WATS to use mobile phone technology to help us better understand trip making behavior in the County?

Lane Closures on Miller coming this week

Notice of Temporary Traffic Control Plan
MILLER AVENUE – MAIN TO CHAPIN
March 4 – March 12, 2010

Location and Limits of Affected Area:
Miller Avenue from North First Street to Chapin Street.

Description of Work:
Storm and sanitary sewers are being cleaned and videotaped.

Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan:
Beginning March 4, Miller Avenue between Main Street and First Street will be reduced to one lane, with eastbound traffic being maintained. Westbound traffic at First Street will be detoured south to Huron Street, west on Huron Street, and north on Seventh Street, back to Miller Avenue.

During this work the traffic may experience brief delays within the areas influenced by this work. Detour signs will be posted for this construction; however the motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. To maintain the safety of all, please reduce speeds and drive cautiously through work zones. We thank you in advance for your patience as these necessary public infrastructure improvements are completed.


Project Contacts:
City of Ann Arbor
Nick Hutchinson, P.E., Project Engineer (734) 845-0698
Adam Ajam, Civil Engineering Specialist, (734) 323-6565

DownUnder Construction
Danny Butterfield, Construction Contractor, (269) 377-1944

Improved Access for Ann Arbor CIL

The following press release is from the Center for Independent Living regarding increased access to the new CIL offices on Research Park Drive. Feel free to share and post your thoughts.


For immediate release:
January 29, 2010

The bus stops here!

The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (Ann Arbor CIL) has worked closely with Ann Arbor Transit Authority (AATA), and now the community has a safe and secure bus stop at the Ann Arbor CIL, located at 3941 Research Park Drive. AATA’s inbound bus route #6 from Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor has added stops along Research Park Drive at both the Social Security Administration and the Ann Arbor CIL. The Ann Arbor CIL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of children, youth, and adults with disabilities. Ann Arbor CIL has been in the community for 34 years. Two years ago they needed to move with the closing of Georgetown Mall. The building, where the Ann Arbor CIL, is now is more accessible and twice the size of their old facility. When they moved, they knew they would benefit from increased transit options.

The new bus stop now allows individuals with disabilities and the general public to make a safe and independent trip to and from the Ann Arbor CIL. “Before the bus stop, getting to or from here by bus was difficult, especially for many individuals with disabilities. Members of our community had to get off the bus in heavy traffic and travel long distances to receive our services and participate in events. We now have 50% more access via public transportation than we had before,” states Carolyn Grawi, Ann Arbor CIL Director of Advocacy and Education.

The benefits of the efforts to create this bus stop are already being realized by the community. Jim Briggs, an Ann Arbor resident and frequent visitor and volunteer at the Ann Arbor CIL states, “having access is key. Before I couldn’t get from the Ann Arbor CIL easily on my own, and now I can ride the bus directly from their building. Going to the Ann Arbor CIL is important to me, and having the bus has a big impact for me.” For Jim, because of costs, budgeting A-Ride Paratransit Service is difficult, and he has had to choose only the activities he really wanted to participate in. Having the bus so close to the Ann Arbor CIL allows Jim to use his manual chair rather than his motorized scooter. The new bus stop now makes it possible for him to attend more activities and events at the Center. Likewise, Mary Dolinsky says, “this stop is great for me.” Mary is very active at the Ann Arbor CIL, and she can now safely plan her trip to and from her home to the Center without walking long distances in dangerous traffic. Mary also shares, “I am excited that more people will be able to come to the Ann Arbor CIL and be active in their events and services.”

The Ann Arbor CIL, Social Security Administration, and community members are advocating to have the city install a traffic light at Ellsworth and S. Research Park Drive so that the out-bound route #6 can serve the new bus stops. Right now riders traveling outbound from Ann Arbor to the Ann Arbor CIL or Social Security Administration building must either ride farther and transfer to other vehicles or use the bus stops located in heavy traffic areas that are inaccessible and further away from their destinations. Crossing Ellsworth is a problem for the bus and for cars, let alone individuals.

The Ann Arbor CIL continues to advocate and work with AATA to improve and advance county-wide service options for transit-dependent individuals. One program area needing to be resumed for all travelers is travel training, so that people can make the most use of the transit services available. The Ann Arbor CIL supports county-wide expansion of transit options and sees increased access throughout Washtenaw County as a plus for individuals, the economy, and the environment.

The AATA in-bound route #6 bus arrives at Ann Arbor CIL at :12 and :42 after the hour M-F days, and at :12 after the hour M-F evenings and on weekends. For more information about the Ann Arbor CIL please visit www.aacil.org. For more information on how to travel to the Ann Arbor CIL using the bus, visit the AATA website at www.theride.org or call 996-0400. You may also call or email the Ann Arbor CIL at 971-0277 ext 16 or cgrawi@aacil.org .