Catch the WAVE: Ride free in February!

Screenshot of shuttle driving across Manchester Main Street Bridge from video highlighting WAVE shuttle service between Chelsea and Manchester

by Melissa Licavoli 

You might remember when there were WAVE shuttle signs in town. That shuttle route has been discontinued at least until ridership is increased, but WAVE still services Manchester city as well as Manchester, Sharon, Freedom, and Bridgewater townships, offering door-to-door service for Manchester residents to anywhere in Washtenaw county. The dispatchers will help you get to your destination in the most time- and cost-efficient way. During the month of February all fares for services to anywhere in Washtenaw are free!

To use WAVE’s service, call their dispatch line at (734) 475-9494. It is best to give them at least three days’ notice.

Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) fills a vital gap in transportation for Washtenaw. The nonprofit transit group connects Manchester, Chelsea, Dexter, Stockbridge, and Ann Arbor.  They are customizing users’ experience to maximize access to local libraries, entertainment, medical care, shopping, legal services, and visiting friends and family.

WAVE has a fleet of vehicles ranging from smaller vans and shuttles to mid-sized buses that can accommodate up to 25 people and 2–3 wheelchairs. Electric vehicles are now replacing some of the fleet with lower floors, larger windows, and easier access to ride. All drivers are trained to help people with mobility and visual challenges. Anyone with vision impairment is encouraged to communicate with the driver so they may assist when entering the bus and upon arrival at the rider’s destination.

WAVE has a number of initiatives to expand services in 2024. While they already connect the Chelsea area to Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA), WAVE is looking to expand their connections to Jackson Area Transportation Authority (JATA) sometime in 2024. They are also hoping to expand their hours with late-night service thanks to several sponsorships from local bars who wish to see people get home safely.

The nonprofit transportation group also shows support for local nonprofits. This spring they are running a “Stuff a Bus” food drive for Manchester’s Community Resource Center and Stockbridge Community Outreach. They will be dispersing the donated items in time to distribute them by Easter.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.