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Winter in Washtenaw County can bring its fair share of challenges, especially for older adults who rely on transportation to get around. With snow, ice, and cold temperatures, it’s important to have reliable, safe options for travel. Whether you’re heading to a doctor’s appointment, picking up groceries, or visiting friends, having access to transportation that works for you is key to maintaining your independence and staying connected. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the variety of transportation options available in Washtenaw County for older adults and their caregivers. From local bus services to specialized rides, we’ll guide you through some helpful resources to make getting around easier and safer, even in the winter months. 

Bus Services 

• Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority/The Ride (AAATA)- The AAATA provides bus service seven days a week on 34 routes serving Ann Arbor, Pittsfield Township, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, limited areas of Superior Township (SJMH and WCC), Chelsea, and Dexter. 
  • First time riding the bus? Follow the AAATA’s How to Ride Guide. 
  • A-Ride– this is a shared, reservation-based accessibility service that uses accessible lift-equipped buses. Users must apply and interview before qualifying for this program.  
  • Fare Deal– TheRide offers discounts for eligible individuals on select transportation services. Eligibility may be based on age, income, or disability.  
  • Gold Ride– this is a special service for seniors ages 65 or older. Eligible seniors travel the regular AAATA fixed routes free of charge by showing their Gold Card.  
  • Grocery Ride– this program provides weekly trips from several senior housing communities in Ann Arbor to local grocery stores for $.75 each way. Call (734) 973-6500 for more details. 

• People’s Express– Located in Northfield Township, this program will transport seniors or those with special needs door-to-door to locations within Washtenaw County that are not part of Ann Arbor Transit Authority (AATA) fixed routes. No service on weekends.  
  • Also offers services in Saline. 
  • Must call (877) 214-6073 to make a reservation 3 days ahead in advance. 
  • Price may vary depending on your location, where you want to go, and the time of day.   

• Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE)- WAVE is a non-profit transit agency that provides affordable transportation. Offers $1 fares for local rides in western Washtenaw County and $5 fares for rides outside of western Washtenaw County (see map below). 
  • Call (734) 475-9494 to book a ride or discuss ADA accommodations. 
  • Offers 50% off fares for those age 60+. 
  • WAVE offers split fares; for example, if you and a friend start a trip together in the orange part of the map, the fee is $1 so you each pay 50 cents. You would both need to be picked up at the same time to split the fee. 
  • Chelsea Senior Center offers free WAVE passes to adults who are 60 years or older and who reside in Chelsea and Dexter School Districts (see flyer below). Once a pass is used up by an adult, they can request another one. There is no limit. Every adult that meets the requirements may request a ride pass. Adults can request two passes at one time. You do not need to be a member of the Chelsea Senior Center to participate.

    

     

    
     

Ride Scheduling 

• Feonix Mobility Rising– recruits and trains volunteers and work with local transportation providers to provide free or low-cost rides to people in need. 
  • Call (734) 259-4125 to find the best ride to fit your needs. 
  • Offers mobile wallet program to assist with paying for rides.  
  • Offers no-cost rides for older adults (see flyer below). 

Washtenaw Rides for Older Adults – Update 10_2024_pdf

Feonix – Rider FAQ_pdf

Nonprofit Agencies 

• Jewish Family Services– JFS provides a low-cost transportation option to ensure individuals and families can attend medical appointments, visit grocery stores, pharmacies, work, or to make attending events and programs. 
  • Must be a JFS client. If you’re interested in becoming a JFS client, call and ask for the New Client Specialist to complete the initial screening via telephone. 
  • Must schedule ride in advance.  
  • Call (734) 769-0209 ext. 305 for more information or to schedule a ride.  

• Milan Seniors for Healthy Living– offers transportation to those age 60 and over who reside in the 48160 zip code. Trips can be up to 20 miles outside of Milan. 
  • Care partners ride along at no additional cost. 
  • Call (734) 322-8413 for more information or to schedule a ride.