Title
Resolution to Approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, and the University of Michigan to Conduct the Ann Arbor Connector Feasibility Study and Appropriate $80,000.00 from the General Fund for the City Share of the Study ($80,000.00) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The City of Ann Arbor is considering options to enhance transit service in the City. The Ann Arbor Model for Mobility provides a transportation vision for the City based on the principles of congestion mitigation, increased air quality, and positive economic development. Enhanced transit service can improve mobility, provide attractive, time-competitive alternatives to automobile travel, and strengthen the economic competitiveness of the city and region while adding to our sustainability. According to recent analysis conducted as part of the City’s Transportation Plan Update, the current roadway and transit systems may not be able to maintain the current mobility and quality of life in the City as we experience growth in employment, residents, and visitors.
A reduction in the quality of life of the City can result if the community does not address transportation systems. The Ann Arbor Connector is intended to provide a rapid-transit linkage between the proposed east-west, Ann Arbor to Detroit, and north-south, Ann Arbor to Howell, regional commuter rail systems, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) and University of Michigan (UM) local transit service. It will connect major activity centers in the City to one another. It also supports enhanced accessibility and mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians.
An enhanced local rapid-transit option is a tool providing much needed capacity with the ability to move large volumes of people daily as well as at key times such as during the Ann Arbor Art Fair and Football Saturdays. Effective rapid-transit service can also assist the City i...
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