Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) is public transit for anyone who wants a ride. In 2022, WAVE provided transportation for almost 20,000 rides over 300,000 miles in the Chelsea and Dexter area.
This is a transformational year. WAVE piloted expanded schedules both earlier and later in the day, in addition to testing apps for both fixed route and door to door services. By the end of 2023 through 2024 they will begin electrifying their fleet of buses, with a goal of up to seven electric vehicles. A next generation WAVE App is in the works that will allow people to make their reservations, follow the bus schedules, track their own trip, and pay online, all on their smartphones. To bring greater independence with passengers using mobility assistive devices, they will be installing an automated wheelchair securement system that allows riders to safely secure themselves.
To celebrate this upcoming year, WAVE is embarking on a branding campaign that best represents their improved service model and vision. Kai Mann, WAVE’s Community Relations Coordinator, invites community input on logo options and strategies to help shape the future of WAVE. To participate click on this link. Your name will be entered into a contest to win a pair of BeeBop Wireless Headphones. “We are actively seeking community feedback to guide our plans as we increase our ridership and meet local needs,” shared Mann.
As a nonprofit, WAVE receives funding from three primary sources – municipalities, grants, and neighboring partners. Their values are grounded in the provision of quality safe service, a genuine connection with customers, staff, and the community, while connecting people with places.
WAVE celebrates different abilities and wants to ensure people have an enjoyable riding experience. As part of their evolving program, WAVE has a fleet of 13 buses and 2 vans. An added benefit of utilizing public transportation is the positive impact on the environment. Public transportation has consistently offered one of the most effective avenues to reduce transportation’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Transit ridership numbers have a better effect on our climate.
And buses are Safe. According to the United States Department Bureau of Transportation Statistics for the State of Michigan, transit accounted for .03% fatalities compared with 96% from highway driving during the time frame of 2010 to 2020.
WAVE ridership is returning steadily, but it remains around 85% of pre-pandemic levels. In 2020, Chelsea Community Foundation provided a grant to assist with the cost of fabricating a plexiglass cockpit around the driver station to separate the driver from passengers to get drivers back to work and people to essential destinations like dialysis clinics.
WAVE wants to provide better services for everyone. WAVE’s ridership has and will continue to include older adults and people of any age inclusive of disabilities. Their broader goal includes encouraging students and non-riders in the community to try-out WAVE to see how it can meet their transportation needs. WAVE provides transit solutions in Chelsea, Dexter, and the surrounding area. An interurban express line called the Community Connector links Chelsea, Dexter, and Ann Arbor, including travel along the Jackson Road corridor. They also provide LifeLine service for riders in western Washtenaw County to and from locations anywhere in the county.
Did you know you can ride from Chelsea to the Meijer Store on Zeeb road for $3 or less? And you can ride anywhere in WAVE’s service area within western Washtenaw County for $7 or less. Fares range from free, to 50 cents, up to a maximum of $20. Contact WAVE now to learn more – at 734-475-9494 or www.ridethewavebus.org.
Kim Moore, Board President, welcomes all to “be a part of influencing what’s to come with WAVE.” Staff will be receiving community comments at events that include Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge farmers markets, Chelsea’s Sounds & Sights, and the Dexter Memorial Day Parade. Follow them on Facebook.com/theWAVEbus, for dates and locations.
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Since 1976, Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) has operated as a non-profit service organization that exists to provide affordable transportation to everyone in the greater western Washtenaw County.
