Hill Street Resurfacing Project
/Notice of Temporary Traffic Control Plan
HILL STREET (S. FOREST AVE TO WASHTENAW AVE)
June 4, 2012 to July 18, 2012
Location and Limits of Affected Area:
Hill Street between South Forest Avenue and Washtenaw Avenue.
Description of Work:
The Hill Street Resurfacing project includes the full-width repaving of Hill Street.
Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan:For the duration of the construction, Hill Street between South Forest Avenue and Washtenaw Avenue will only be open to eastbound traffic, with a signed detour in place for westbound traffic.
To maintain the safety of all, please reduce speeds and drive cautiously through work zones.
Pedestrian traffic will be maintained during this project.
Project Information:
A project website will be updated weekly and can be found by going to the City’s Website at www.a2gov.org.
Project Contacts:
City of Ann Arbor
Anne M. Warrow, P.E., Project Manager (734) 794-6410 x43639 or at awarrow@ a2gov.org
Karl Shuler, Civil Engineering Specialist, (734) 323-8823
C & D Hughes, Inc.
Brad McKay, Construction Contractor, (517)749-3606
Steve Strasser, Construction Supervisor, (517)645-0111
West Liberty Construction
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Between May 24-June 30, 2012 the City of Ann Arbor will be repairing portions of West Liberty. The construction affects the portions of West Liberty between Seventh and First Street, and includes repairs the the pavement to eliminate pot holes, smooth the driving surface, and increase pavement life.
Eastbound traffic will be maintained and westbound traffic will be detoured. Local access for vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be maintained except when temporarily restricted due to paving or concrete work. View the map below for detour or see the city's official notice for additional details.
Eastbound traffic will be maintained and westbound traffic will be detoured. Local access for vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be maintained except when temporarily restricted due to paving or concrete work. View the map below for detour or see the city's official notice for additional details.
On-Board Survey Shows Rider Satisfaction Continues to Increase
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The number of riders who have expressed satisfaction with the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority’s (TheRide’s) service has increased steadily over the past several years, according to a survey conducted by CJI Research Corporation. The survey was conducted in October 2011 onboard TheRide’s buses.
Rider satisfaction increased to 89 percent in 2011, with 8 percent of riders stating they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with the service. That’s up from 84 percent satisfaction in 2009 and 83 percent in 2006.
“Providing convenient, reliable and comfortable service are top priorities,” said TheRide CEO Michael Ford. “Customer satisfaction is key. The easier and more enjoyable we can make the trips for our riders, the more people there will be who are gaining the environmental, economic and health benefits of public transit.”
Satisfaction ratings increased from 2009 to 2011 for 12 of the 13 items included in both surveys. These items include specific aspects of service including safety, driver quality, vehicle features, bus stops and service quality. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed gave TheRide’s schedule book, TheRide Guide, a satisfactory rating.
“A big part of the reason for our increases in customer satisfaction has to do with our drivers. They are on the buses every day interacting with riders and making sure their experience is as good as it can possibly be,” said Ford.
The rider survey also provided valuable insight on how TheRide’s services are being used. Respondents who indicated they were traveling to or from work or school increased from 76 percent in 2006 to 82 percent in 2011.
Two thirds of riders (66 percent) said they use public transit service five or more days per week, with 88 percent of those surveyed using TheRide three or more days per week. This is up from 2009, when 86 percent rode three or more days per week.
The survey also indicated the number of choice riders – those who have regular access to a vehicle, but choose to ride public transit – also increased. More than one-third of riders surveyed (39 percent) had a license and vehicle available to make their trip, but chose to use TheRide for their trip – an increase from 37 percent of choice riders in 2009.
When asked what improvements they would most like to see, more riders (38 percent) chose increased frequency as the most important improvement when compared to other choices. The next most important improvement chosen was more direct routes at 16 percent.
“We’ve heard several times over the last few years that more frequent and more direct routes are important for riders, and we’ve seen it once again in this survey,” said Ford. “We’ve already begun making several improvements, including increased service on Route 4. If the improvements proposed under the 5-Year Countywide Transit Program are approved, riders throughout much of Washtenaw County’s urban areas wouldn’t even need to look at a transit schedule – that’s how frequent service would be.”
Methodology: The survey was conducted onboard TheRide buses from October 4 through 10, 2011. Survey workers handed out the survey under the supervision of CJI Research Corporation. Surveyors accompanied bus drivers at the beginning of the shifts and handed surveys to all riders throughout the entire run. Completed surveys were collected at the end of the run by survey personnel, placed in an envelope marked with the route and run and reported to survey supervisors who completed a log form detailing the run. The questionnaire was self-administered and included serial numbers so records could be kept for the route and day the survey was completed.
Rider satisfaction increased to 89 percent in 2011, with 8 percent of riders stating they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with the service. That’s up from 84 percent satisfaction in 2009 and 83 percent in 2006.
“Providing convenient, reliable and comfortable service are top priorities,” said TheRide CEO Michael Ford. “Customer satisfaction is key. The easier and more enjoyable we can make the trips for our riders, the more people there will be who are gaining the environmental, economic and health benefits of public transit.”
Satisfaction ratings increased from 2009 to 2011 for 12 of the 13 items included in both surveys. These items include specific aspects of service including safety, driver quality, vehicle features, bus stops and service quality. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed gave TheRide’s schedule book, TheRide Guide, a satisfactory rating.
“A big part of the reason for our increases in customer satisfaction has to do with our drivers. They are on the buses every day interacting with riders and making sure their experience is as good as it can possibly be,” said Ford.
The rider survey also provided valuable insight on how TheRide’s services are being used. Respondents who indicated they were traveling to or from work or school increased from 76 percent in 2006 to 82 percent in 2011.
Two thirds of riders (66 percent) said they use public transit service five or more days per week, with 88 percent of those surveyed using TheRide three or more days per week. This is up from 2009, when 86 percent rode three or more days per week.
The survey also indicated the number of choice riders – those who have regular access to a vehicle, but choose to ride public transit – also increased. More than one-third of riders surveyed (39 percent) had a license and vehicle available to make their trip, but chose to use TheRide for their trip – an increase from 37 percent of choice riders in 2009.
When asked what improvements they would most like to see, more riders (38 percent) chose increased frequency as the most important improvement when compared to other choices. The next most important improvement chosen was more direct routes at 16 percent.
“We’ve heard several times over the last few years that more frequent and more direct routes are important for riders, and we’ve seen it once again in this survey,” said Ford. “We’ve already begun making several improvements, including increased service on Route 4. If the improvements proposed under the 5-Year Countywide Transit Program are approved, riders throughout much of Washtenaw County’s urban areas wouldn’t even need to look at a transit schedule – that’s how frequent service would be.”
Methodology: The survey was conducted onboard TheRide buses from October 4 through 10, 2011. Survey workers handed out the survey under the supervision of CJI Research Corporation. Surveyors accompanied bus drivers at the beginning of the shifts and handed surveys to all riders throughout the entire run. Completed surveys were collected at the end of the run by survey personnel, placed in an envelope marked with the route and run and reported to survey supervisors who completed a log form detailing the run. The questionnaire was self-administered and included serial numbers so records could be kept for the route and day the survey was completed.
Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day
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This is a notice for an event sponsored by the League of Michigan Bicyclists, visit their website for more information.
The League of Michigan Bicyclists, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance,Michigan Mountain Biking Association and MSU Bikes are pleased to join forces once again for the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day to be held at the State Capitol on May 23rd, 2012 as a culmination of National Bike Month.
Whether you enjoy riding on Michigan roads, trails or dirt single track, Advocacy Day is your opportunity to speak with one voice to help advance the interests of all cyclists in the state. We hope that casual riders and die-hards alike will join us in advancing the interests of all bicyclists by communicating the great importance of cycling to the Michigan Legislator.
This year's key issues include:
- Protecting vulnerable roadway users by establishing enhanced penalties for injuring or killing cyclists
- Revising the right turn hand signal to make an extended right arm legal in Michigan
- Supporting bikes on trains through the implementation of the Michigan State Rail Plan
- Supporting a new Michigan trails and greenways license plate to fund local trail projects
- Opposing efforts to eliminate the Michigan Complete Streets Advisory Council
- Opposing efforts to eliminate dedicated non-motorized funding in the state's transportation funding formulas
- Opposing "Right to Ride" legislation which elevates equestrian trail users above all other user groups, including mountain bikers
Learn more about these issues by downloading our 2012 Legislative Priorities packet (PDF).
Escorted by local police bike patrols, the day will start with a short road rally ride from MSU Bikes to the State Capitol where volunteers from all three organizations will educate legislators on the above policy issues that facilitate a bicycle-friendly Michigan. Lunch will be provided after legislative visits, followed by an optional afternoon ride.
Tentative Schedule:
- 8:30 am - Bike rally leaves from MSU Bikes to State Capitol
- 9:15 am – Welcome & Guest Speaker Representative Anthony Forlini
- 9:30 am - Issue Overview & Questions
- 10:15 am - Meetings with Representatives and Senators
- 12:45 pm - Lunch on Capitol grounds
- 1:45 pm - Group photo on Capitol steps
- 2:00 pm - "Lansing by bicycle" (self-guided ride)
Registration for Advocacy Day is $10 and includes lunch.
Registration:
Visit the League of Michigan Bycyclists website for more information or to register
S. Fifth Avenue Repaving
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Between May 18-12, 2012, the City of Ann Arbor will be closing S. Fifth Avenue for repaving. During the work Day, S. Fifth Avenue will be closed to through traffic. The Washington and Liberty cross streets will remain open for most of the construction. Local access and pedestrian traffic will be maintained during the project. Through traffic will be restored at the end of each day. For more information see the official notice or the map below.
TheRide's Memorial Day Transit Schedule Announced
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Passengers may take advantage of TheRide’s HolidayRide shared-ride taxi service on May 28 for just $5 a person. Seniors and persons with disabilities with an identification card issued by TheRide may ride for $2.50. Individuals with a go!pass may ride for $3, with the balance funded by a grant from the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority.
HolidayRide taxi service operates within the city limits of Ann Arbor and east to downtown Ypsilanti between Clark Road/Huron River Drive on the north and Ellsworth Road/Michigan Avenue on the south. To schedule a HolidayRide trip, call 734.528.5432.
TheRide will close its offices at 2700 South Industrial Highway and the Blake and Ypsilanti Transit Centers on May 28, in observance of Memorial Day.
The three facilities will re-open for business on Tuesday, May 29.
Bus route and schedule information is available at 734.996.0400 and on TheRide’s web site at www.TheRide.org.
Statewide Seat Belt Enforcement One Week Away
/An advertising campaign that launched Click It or Ticket enforcement zones in 2005 is returning to TV and radio today, warning motorists about stepped up seat belt enforcement slated to begin in a week. The message remains relevant for the annual mobilization designed to reinforce the importance of seat belt use. Michigan has one of the highest seat belt use rates in the nation, with 94.5 percent of drivers and front seat passengers buckling up in 2011. This is down from the record-high use rate of 97.9 percent in 2009.
While Michigan seat belt use is high overall, it drops to 87 percent for teens and young adults. Seat belt use falls to nearly 85 percent for male teens and young adults in pickup trucks.
“Advertising is meant to encourage motorists to buckle up and avoid a citation,” said Michael L. Prince, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), which plans the annual statewide awareness and enforcement campaign. “Messages and zone signs are all intended to promote seat belt use.”
Seat belts remain the primary safety device in passenger vehicles; when used correctly, they reduce the risk of death by 45 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Despite high observed rates for seat belt use, about half the vehicle occupants who die in Michigan traffic crashes are unbuckled.
The campaign, dubbed “How it Works,” showcases enforcement zones that use law enforcement spotters to look for unbuckled motorists. Information is then radioed to other officers working in the zone area who make traffic stops. Enforcement will involve local police departments, sheriff offices and the Michigan State Police. Focus groups with young men indicate they are more tuned in to messages that focus on the cost of a citation than information regarding the safety benefits of buckling up.
The combination of awareness efforts and enforcement zones has been instrumental in helping to increase seat belt use in the state.
A statewide effort, Click It or Ticket is entirely funded by federal traffic safety monies. The campaign includes radio, TV, cable, billboards, cinema and web-based advertising. It will be seen in all media markets.
Its safer to travel in groups
/Enjoy these commercials for the Beglian Bus Agency, De Lijn.
A Modern Odyssey, Part 2: Trains and Buses in Kalamazoo
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Re-posted from Our Voices, the blog of the Michigan Land Use Institute. Click to see the original post.
For Odysseus, the ten-year journey from Ithaca to Troy was tough, but at a certain point in the story, his luck turned around.
As we left Birmingham and headed for the west side of the state aboard Amtrak’s Wolverine 351 at 6:18 AM, we passed though Michigan’s largest city one last time.
The smooth ride from Birmingham back through Detroit left us excited about the possibility of a well-coordinated regional transit system that could soon emerge and make regional travel convenient once again. The system will serve as the backbone of a new economy in metropolitan Detroit, if the state Legislature creates a regional transit agency necessary to make it happen.
We traveled onward, toward Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, where transportation challenges surely exist, but there’s good reason to be optimistic. A decade or so ago civic leaders and business groups in both communities recognized and responded to the market trends that told them that strong urban transit is crucial to regional success and business growth.
What we saw in those cities reminded us that Michigan’s transportation system could grow into a good one some day.
Two things caught our attention: Bus and train ridership is rising dramatically even though funding for buses and trains is not; and there’s a strong connection between buses, beer, and this state’s ability to thrive economically.
More Riders Than Ever
In a recent MLive editorial, Rick Haglund said: “Profound demographic and societal changes are fueling the move to mass transit.”
He’s right: Last year about 775,000 passengers boarded Michigan trains. About 500,000 of those passengers were traveling between Detroit, Kalamazoo, and Chicago. Each year that number increases at about five percent, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
On our train to Kalamazoo we were surrounded by a diverse group: a young professional traveling from Detroit to Ann Arbor, a young couple taking a quick trip to Chicago for an overnight stay, a mom with three young children heading to Battle Creek, and two senior citizens who could have been going anywhere.
To us the trip was relaxing, enjoyable, and relatively productive. We talked, typed, tweeted, and took photos.
We agreed: The train is the best way to travel.
Despite reports of poor service, no Internet, and warnings that the train would be 45 minutes late that day, the train was almost full.
Improvements are on the horizon, however. Transportation officials report that soon trains will be able to travel at speeds of 110 MPH and be fully equipped with Wi-Fi, making Amtrak the quickest and most productive way for folks to get from Detroit to Kalamazoo and Chicago.
With better service and faster, tech-friendly trains, we predict a remarkable increase in ridership in the years to come. Kalamazoo, where in 2010 about 310 passengers a day got on or off an Amtrak train, will reap the benefits for years to come.
Coming into Kalamazoo
We arrived at the Kalamazoo transportation center at 11:12 AM, and it was easy to see that the town is making some smart moves with public transportation.
Kalamazoo’s 140-year-old, renovated transportation center is conveniently located in downtown Kalamazoo and serves as the region’s hub for Greyhound, Indian Trails, and the city’s Metro Transit system. The old building was restored in 2004, thanks to a federal grant from the Bush Administration.
It’s there where you can jump off a train from Detroit or Chicago and walk, bike, or bus to almost anywhere in the re-energized city. It’s a popular entry point for Kalamazoo’s diverse population of commuters, tourists, residents, and students.
Bill Schomisch, executive director of Metro Transit, greeted us at the station and gave us a tour. Then we rode a bus to the campus of Western Michigan University. The bus was also almost full.
As we rode the bus, Bill told us that, like trains, more people are using buses than ever before.
“We gave 20% more rides this past February than we did in the same month the previous year,” he explained.
That trend is clearly a national phenomenon. According to the American Public Transportation Association, “Americans took 10.4 billion trips on pubic transportation in 2011, the second highest ridership since 1957.”
Looking Forward
Later that day we meet with a group of citizens at the headquarters of the Interfaith Strategy for Advocacy and Action in the Community (ISAAC). There we discussed transportation needs for the Kalamazoo region.
We talked about how, as with trains, ridership on buses is at record levels even though bus agencies, saddled with dwindling state funding, are not able to offer high-quality service, adequate signage, or even shelters.
We also reflected back on the spring of 2011, when Michigan legislators threatened to cut the bus and rail budget by $20 million. Fortunately, after pressure from citizens, advocates, and a pro-transit Republican governor, lawmakers redacted their threat, maintained the funding, and tacitly acknowledge just how popular and important public transit has become throughout the state.
Now, with gas prices soaring, demographics changing, and interest in public transportation plainly soaring, it is even more important to make sure we keep the buses rolling.
That afternoon, we boarded the regularly scheduled Indian Trails bus to Grand Rapids to have a discussion about transit and economic development — but not before walking from the bus station to Michigan’s most famous microbrewery, Bell’s, for lunch and a beer.
After all, even Odysseus made sure his crew was well nourished.
Check out the photos from Day Two here.
This is part two of a three part series detailing the Michigan Transportation Odyssey, a three-day journey around Michigan using only public transportation. Part III will explore Michigan’s two growing trends: demand for transit and demand for beer.
James Bruckbauer is the Michigan Land Use Institute’s transportation policy specialist. Follow him on Twitter: @jimbruckb. Reach him by email: james@mlui.org
