Saline extends contract with People's Express; bus service expands
MaryJo Swan of Saline has been riding with the People’s Express for the past three years, ever since it began providing public transportation in the City of Saline.
“I love the People’s Express … . They are very useful and I would be lost without it," she said. "It keeps me independent.”
A People's Express bus carries passengers along Jackson Road in Scio Township.
File photo
“I have three children and they all work. They can’t take time off to take me to dialysis. This way it works out,” she said, adding that she also likes the camaraderie of talking to people on the bus, going to and from her appointments.
The bus services contract was recently extended for two years at a cost to the city of $42,000 per year.
The cost is up $2,000 from last year due to higher operational costs such as fuel and labor, according to Jeff Fordice, public works director.
People's Express will begin providing rides to Domino’s Farms and the University of Michigan’s East Medical Center, said Fordice. This is in addition to service in the City of Saline, to medical centers in Ann Arbor, and to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Superior Township. Many seniors who need rides to get to medical appointments use the service.
Currently placing a reservation for rides within Saline requires 24 hours' notice, and rides to Ann Arbor require 48 hours. The new service will require five days' notice to help with the scheduling of the rides.
“I’m thankful that the city subsidizes transportation for our citizens,” City Council member David Rhoads said at the June 21 City Council meeting where the contract extension was approved. “If possible, they should reduce the reservation time.”
There has been no increase to fares, and the cost for the service is $2 within the city of Saline, and $3 to ride to Ann Arbor or other areas out of town.
Alana West is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. To reach the news desk call 734-623-2530.