PRESS RELEASEFor immediate releaseFare proposal attachedJanuary 19, 2008Ann Arbor Transportation Authority2700 South Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104734.973.6500; 734.973.6338F; www.theride.orgMary K. Stasiak, Mgr. Community Relations734.677.3901; mstasiak@TheRide.org AATA proposes changes to fare structure ANN ARBOR, MI – The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) is seeking publicinput on proposed changes to its fare structure for fixed-route and paratransitservices at a series of public meetings to be held in February. According to AATA Board Chair David Nacht, the adult full fare for AATA fixed-route service has not changed since August, 2002. Since that time, AATA hasexperienced significant increases in the cost of operations, as well as thetightening of available funding. “AATA has cut costs for aspects of our operations under our control, as well asgenerating revenue through the sale of advertising space on our buses,” Nachtsaid. AATA reduced its 2009 fixed-route operating costs by $5 per service hour through avariety of cost-saving measures. A review of comparable transit systems revealedthat AATA had the lowest fares among its peers. In addition, AATA has implemented continuous improvement teams to further controland reduce energy use, facility and vehicle maintenance, employee benefits andexpenses related to its paratransit services. Approximately $300,000 in savingshas been identified by the teams through projects which are expected to beimplemented in the current fiscal year. “The board is reluctant to raise fares, and actually rejected a fare increase

proposal in 2006. Now we find that we must balance the impact on our riders withour need to run the authority in a financially prudent manner. AATA has reached the point where we must consider revisions to our fare structurein order to assure that we are successful in meeting the growing demand for ourservices during this time of economic challenge, and also to ensure the futurefinancial health of the authority,” Nacht said. AATA’s proposal includes a two-phase increase to change the current fixed-routeadult full fare of $1.00 to $1.25 in May, 2009 and to $1.50 in May, 2010. Currenthalf-fare charges would go from 50 cents to 60 and 75 cents, respectively. The proposal would eliminate the 25-cent fare on fixed-route service for Seniorsand A-Ride customers; however, the fares on paratransit service would increasefrom $2.00 for an advance reservation trip to $2.50 in 2009 and $3.00 in 2010.Same-day trip fares would increase from $3.00 to $3.50 and $4.00, respectively. Night Ride and Holiday Ride fares would remain at $5.00, with the fare for Seniorand A-Ride cardholders remaining at $2.50. In addition to 30-day passes, shorter-term passes are being considered at bothregular and reduced-fare levels. These may include passes for a smaller number ofdays, or a specific number of trips. The full draft proposal is available on the AATA web site, www.TheRide.org, and byrequest at 734.973.6500. The proposal will also be available beginning January 24,2009 in the February, 2009 issue of “RideLines” on all AATA buses and at the AATAmain office and transit centers. The proposed fare structure is expected to generate an estimated $314,000 inadditional revenue in the first year and $540,000 in the second year. It will alsocreate opportunities for frequent riders who qualify to take advantage ofdiscounted passes. Comments and questions about the proposed fare changes are being received by AATAthrough February 27, 2009 by the following methods:l Call the AATA Service Change Hotline at 734.677.3934.l E-mail AATA at aatainfo@theride.org; put “Fare Changes” in the subject line.l Fax AATA at 734.973.6338; address the fax to “Fare Changes”.