Senior Millage funds make big impact for Manchester WAVE riders
WAVE bus. Photo courtesy of Shasta Angell.
by Sara Swanson
We reported last July that Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE), Manchester’s only public transportation option, had had to cut back services due to ongoing reductions in state and federal funding including decreasing the number of door-to-door drivers from nine to eight. One year later things have turned around dramatically.
In September, we reported that Washtenaw County was giving WAVE $333,333 of the Washtenaw County Older Persons Millage funds. This allowed WAVE not only to return to 9 door-to-door drivers but since then add a 10th door-to-door driver. Shasta Angell, WAVE’s Community Relations Coordinator explained that the additional driver has significantly increased WAVE’s ability to serve riders throughout the Manchester area stating, “While the new route is dedicated to residents age 60 and older, it has also created more availability for the general public by increasing overall system capacity.”
Even before the cutback last July, 1/3 of requests for rides had to be canceled or declined because of insufficient capacity. Angell reports that this too has turned around. She stated, “For the Manchester service area, unfilled ride requests have dropped to an exceptionally low level, with only one to five rides being declined since the Older Persons Millage funding expanded service.”
Ridership in the Manchester area overall is way up. In the City of Manchester and Manchester Township combined, WAVE gave 2,003 rides last year, (up from 1,848 the year before). In Bridgewater Township WAVE gave 111 rides last year (up from 75 the year before). And in Freedom Township, WAVE gave 163 rides last year, (up from 33 the year before). Only in Sharon Township did ridership drop, with WAVE giving 414 rides last year, (down slightly from 473).
Angell credits continued outreach in Freedom and Bridgewater for the growth in the number of rides in those townships in addition to the fact that WAVE made rides free for all Washtenaw County residents aged 60+ which was another benefit of the Washtenaw County Older Persons Millage funds.
To support the making of rides free for Washtenaw seniors, WAVE rolled out their ADVANTAGE Card program. The card helps verify eligibility for free senior transportation, discounted fares for qualifying riders, and disability accommodations. Angell states that the rollout has been slower than anticipated, but with nearly 1,000 applications submitted, WAVE is encouraged by the community’s response. She added that if you have applied and have not received your ADVANTAGE Card within 30 days, simply contact WAVE Dispatch at 734-475-9494 and staff can check the status of your application and provide an update.
In addition to the the Washtenaw County Older Persons Millage, funding comes from several sources, including Chelsea Hospital and local municipalities. Every Manchester-area municipality currently contributes with Manchester Township contributing $4,000, City of Manchester $5,000, Sharon Township $5,000, Freedom Township $2,500, and Bridgewater Township $2,500. Angell warned that Chelsea Hospital is currently WAVE’s largest supporter in the area, but that their funding will not continue indefinitely and that is why partnerships with local municipalities are so important.
WAVE provides door-to-door service for western Washtenaw residents to anywhere in the county and back, Monday through Friday, 6am through 9:30pm. Rides are free for Washtenaw County seniors and cost between $.50 and $5 a ride for everyone else. To learn more about WAVE services, upcoming events & tickets, or to schedule a ride, visit ridethewavebus.org or call 734-475-9494.
WAVE does have a couple of special events coming up in Manchester. Stop by to see WAVE at Manchester Community Fair Touch A Truck Saturday, August 22 from 2pm to 5pm at Alumni Field to learn more about available transportation services, upcoming events, and how easy it is to ride. WAVE is also planning a “Lights Express” this holiday season beginning at the Manchester Senior Center with hot cocoa and a visit from Santa before departure, then transportation to enjoy the dazzling Nite Lites display.
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