With the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority Millage vote now less than a month away a wide variety of groups have endorsed the effort, including several agencies that work with seniors. As Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Ypsilanti Township consider a point-seven mill tax to pay for expanded Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority service, senior groups have consistently come out in support.
Monica Prince is the Director of the Ypsilanti Senior Center. Prince acknowledges a tax increase may be difficult for some, but she believes the benefits will be greater. Prince says seniors in particular need to be able to get out of their homes. Prince is especially interested in an expansion of the A-Ride cab service. She notes the county has an aging population.
Ypsilanti’s Florence Peterson has used the bus for about 30 years to get most places, including the Ypsilanti Senior Center. Peterson is particularly interested in seeing expanded service on Sundays.
While Peterson has used the A-A-A-T-A for years, many seniors turn to public transportation as they age. Janice Light says over the last several years buses have become her life-line. Light is hopeful that if the millage passes she will be able to make it to more concerts and other events on Saturday evenings.
The League of Women Voters is hosting a community forum on the issue tonight at the downtown Ann Arbor library. Both opponents and supporters of the millage are expected at the forum.
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— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.
