Thursday, July 1, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
City renews bus contract By Jeremy Allen Heritage Newspapers
People’s Express, Saline’s primary public transportation service, extended its contract with the city of Saline to continue services for an additional two years at a rate of $42,000 per year, a $2,000 increase from the previous contract. Wes Armbruster, transportation manager for People’s Express, said the new contract will mean an increase in services and routes, while fares for riders will remain the same. “We’ll be extending services to the eastern region of the
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extremely dirty body of water, it has been doing much better in recent years thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Rouge organization and a wider appreciation for it. “The Rouge was one of the most polluted rivers in the United States,” he said, but indicated cleanup has yielded impressive results. “Salmon spawned on the river for the first time this year since the 1960s.” The trip takes boaters on a ride through history, floating by Henry Ford’s famous Rouge factory complex, which originally supplied the world with Model A vehicles. Another point of interest along the Rouge is the abandoned Fordson Island, which Fletcher said is right out of “The Twilight Zone.” The island was completely abandoned by 1989, but ghostly artifacts harkening back to previous occupants liter the land and water. “The entire isle is ringed with abandoned recreational vehicles,” he said. “Some have trees growing right up
county, as well as Domino Farms and a couple other places,” Armbruster said. “A lot of our riders have expressed the need to go there. We expect that about 10 percent of our riders will want to go to those new service areas.” People’s Express operates as a flexible bus service in which Saline residednts can call and arrange for transportation services inside and outside of the city to various parts of Washtenaw County. “Right now, 40 percent of our riders are seniors who request to travel to Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti for doctor visits
or other therapy needs,” Armbruster said, “but we provide pickup for all, whether they’re elderly, disabled or fully able-bodied.” Rates for in-city transit costs $2, while out-of-city destinations cost riders $3. There is also a program set up through the county in which certain riders qualify for $1 rides. To arrange services, riders are required to call the company’s call-line 48-hours in advance to make a reservation. Council member Alicia Ping said that she appreciates the services that the nonprofit
through them.” Fletcher said there is also a few old homes left standing on the island, which came to prominence in the 1920s during the height of the early auto industry. The pub of choice on the trip, Fletcher said, is Fresh Booze on the Rouge, which was built in 1936 and witnessed an abundance of Detroit history. Fletcher said he hopes people get over their fears of the Rouge. “The reason people don’t go down it is because of the well-deserved reputation. It’s a work in progress,” he said,
citing a group trip that will take place Sept. 26 that will be perfect for the timid Rouge beginner. “They’ll share that love and history for the river.” Two lucky attendees won free river trips by way of a raffle at the end of the evening. For more information on Fletcher’s books, appearances, a link to the Rouge trip, or general canoe and kayak-related inquires, visit www.canoeingmichiganrivers.com.
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Steven Howard can be reached at 429-7380 or showard@heritage.com. Follow his blog at http://heritageweststaffblog.blogspot.com.
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People’s Express is able to provide for the residents of the city. “I think this is a great program,” Ping said. “The city will be absorbing the extra cost so the residents can continue to use and enjoy these services.” Armbruster said that the company has a website and hopes that it will eventually allow for riders to make online reservations. Jeremy Allen is a staff writer for Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at jallen@heritage.com.
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Wet Sprocket. The tickets will get you into the Sept. 15 show at The Ark in Ann Arbor.” Music: “The Verve Pipe will be performing a family-friendly show at 3 p.m. (bring your own chairs) and their lead singer, Brian Vender Ark, will play an acoustic set at 7 p.m.” For the kids: “Detroit Tigers mascot PAWS will be there from 3 to 5 p.m.” “We are getting Dippin’ Dots and we will have an inflatable obstacle course and T-ball game for the kiddos.” Food and drink: “Come and have lunch and/or dinner and have fun. There will be face painters, cotton candy and much more.” Cost: $5 per person, 21 and older. People under 21 admitted for free. “There will be tickets to purchase for food, beverages and autograph cards.” For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/bidforacure. Steven Howard can be reached at 429-7380 or showard@heritage.com. Follow his blog at http://heritageweststaffblog.blogspot.com.
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