The voters of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Ypsilanti Township, Mich., overwhelmingly voted to renew and restore a 0.7 millage transit levy. With more than 90% of the precincts fully counted, over 83% of the votes were in favor of the millage.

The August 7 renewal enables the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) to preserve expanded fixed-route bus service levels, as well as the improved transit services for seniors and persons with disabilities, approved in 2014.

“The results reflect the feelings of our community. Our residents rely on having convenient transportation options. They want to be able to work late or on weekends and have busses available to get them home. People want to be able to take our service on Sundays to get to the grocery store or across town to see their families on their day off. These services were all made possible by the original millage in 2014, and with this overwhelming support for the renewal it shows we’re doing a good job and meeting community needs,” said TheRide CEO, Matt Carpenter.

“The results are a vote of confidence by the community that we delivered on our promises, and that the community understands that good transit is vital to its social and economic vitality. The winners of this election are senior citizens, people with disabilities, workers, students, and families who rely on effective and affordable public transportation to preserve their independence, attend classes, and maintain employment,” said TheRide Board Chair Eric Mahler.