Ann Arbor Calls for Highway Bus Service

The city council voted unanimously in support of a plan to build more transit and park-and-ride options rather than expand a highway with more car lanes.

1 minute read

March 27, 2024, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Green highway signs on Highway 23 for Ann Arbor and Flint, Michigan.

Scott5114, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons / Highway 23, Ann Arbor, Michigan

City officials in Ann Arbor joined other Michigan cities in asking the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for a public transit alternative to a proposed highway widening project, reports Ryan Stanton in M Live. An alternate proposal calls for highway bus service and park-and-ride options in lieu of new vehicle lanes on U.S. 23.

“Why on earth are we talking about adding more lanes when there are other options that can make use of the infrastructure that we have in a way that’s more economically viable?” asked Council Member Dharma Akmon, pointing to fiscal responsibility as one reason to oppose the widening project.

The transit plan would add park-and-ride stations at key points to allow more residents to take transit into downtown Ann Arbor.

Friday, March 22, 2024 in M Live

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

Large store in mall with yellow and black STORE CLOSING sign on front.

Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks

Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.

December 8, 2024 - Ruscena Wiederholt

Empty street and high-rise buildings in downtown Chicago, Illinois during COvid-19 pandemic.

Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline

Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.

December 3, 2024 - Stanford University News

Heavy traffic on freeway in San Diego, California.

Why Traffic Never Gets Better

Despite abundant research showing that roadway expansions provide limited congestion relief and increase long-term traffic problems, they still occur due to wishful thinking: advocates claim that “this” project is different.

2 hours ago - Greater Greater Washington

Trolley bus in San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Tops ‘Urban Mobility Readiness’ List

An annual analysis of global cities assesses public transit, technology, and sustainability.

3 hours ago - Bloomberg CityLab

Cyclist on folding bike riding next to silver car on city street.

Bike-Mounted Sensor Could Improve Safety for Cyclists

A new camera technology can detect when vehicles pass too close to people on bikes.

3 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.