While the pandemic had a major financial impact in 2020 on the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, also known as TheRide, service will not be cut this year.
TheRide collected $3.6 million in fare revenue in 2020, compared to $6.8 million in 2019. However, TheRide received over $20 million in federal COVID-19 funding last year to help cover operational costs during the pandemic. John Metzingeris the deputy CEO of finance and administration for TheRide and says they’re currently operating at 60% of their capacity.
John Metzinger: And we’re planning to restore services to near 100% of our service level by August 2021. Although the fixed-route bus network may not operate exactly as it did before the pandemic due to change in customer demands.
Metzinger says TheRide is concerned about the long-term impact the pandemic could have on its future budgets if state revenue sharing for transit decreases because of COVID-19.
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— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu
