City Extends People's Express Transportation Service for 2 Years

People’s Express will continue to serve the transportation needs of Saline residents after city council approved a two-year contract with the non-profit organization.

City council voted unanimously to approve the contract, which costs the city $44,100 annually. Costs are up about 5 percent, according to People’s Express representative Wes Armbruster, because of fuel and labor expenses.

People’s Express is a dial-a-ride service. Residents looking for a ride call 877-214-6073 and are then picked up by vehicle that transports people to locations in Saline and Ann Arbor. Fares are $2 for trips in Saline and $3 for trips to Ann Arbor.

Several city council members expressed concern about falling ridership shown in numbers presented by People’s Transport.

Ridership peaked at 3,980 for 2010. Last year it was down by more than 1,000, according to the report. But those numbers don’t fully reflect ridership, according to Armbruster.

Armbruster said that since People’s Express expanded service to the Plymouth and Jackson road areas, the firm has had to call in a second vehicle for return trips. As a result, some of the passengers aren’t being counted, he said.

Council member David Rhoads said that in 2010, city council asked to see a more concentrated publicity effort by People’s Express.

“I have not seen that,” Rhoads said. “I believe you need to do a better job publicizing the service you offer.”

Mayor Gretchen Driskell suggested that the company work with apartment complex management to increase ridership.

“I appreciate the service and believe it’s important to the community and would like to see increased ridership,” Driskell said.

Driskell asked it was always necessary to call 72 hours ahead for a ride. Armbruster said that People’s Express can often meet same-day requests.

The city began its agreement with People’s Express in 2007 after putting the contract out to bid.

The terms of the deal allows the city to end the contract should the count-wide transit authority initiate a plan that services Saline. 

The People’s Express service may be even more affordable for some senior citizens. Council member Brian Marl said the received a United Way grant that will pay for the fares of qualifying residents. For more information about the opportunity, call 734-429-9274.

Here’s how it how People’s Express works, according to the service’s website:

Reservations must be made at least 3 business days in advance. Call 877-214-6073 between10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Monday - Friday to schedule your ride.  A callback will be given 1 business day prior to your scheduled ride. Please be on time. Drivers will wait five minutes. They may arrive up to fifteen minutes before or after scheduled pick-up times.
On-demand rides available only as time permits. The service runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with the last pick-up at 4:30 p.m.