The University of Michigan’s Transit system provides service to the Ann Arbor campus, as well as various Michigan Medicine facilities located in Ann Arbor. U of M Transit operates 12 bus routes that are open and free to the general public. No ID is necessary to ride and no fare is required. In addition, Transit Services runs or oversees several on-demand services that are available to members of the University community.
When Riding the Bus
For many members of our community, U of M’s Transit system is the first bus system that they have ridden outside of the standard yellow school buses. To help everyone have a positive experience when riding we’d like to share a few tips with you.
- Be at the bus stop 2-5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- Make sure the bus driver can see you at the stop. If they can’t see you waiting for the bus, you may accidentally be passed up.
- When boarding the bus, please let passengers off the bus first. U of M Transit uses both sets of doors for boarding and alighting. Allowing people to exit before you step on is both courteous and helps expedite the process.
- Move to the center of the bus, or towards the back of the bus when you enter. Our buses are often quite full and this makes it easier for passengers to access the doors.
- Please pull the stop request cord (yellow cord) at least 300 yards before your desired bus stop. This allows for the driver to safely service your desired stop.
- Do not leave trash on the bus. Take everything you brought on board with you when you leave.
- When exiting the bus, don’t cross in front of the bus. Wait until the bus pulls away from the stop until attempting to cross the street.
- Make sure you have all of your personal belongings with you when you depart the bus.
- Do not run in front of, beside or around a bus for any reason. Buses take much longer to stop and have more “blind spots” due to their size. You risk serious injury or worse when you run in front of or around a bus.
- Use caution when riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, moped, or other forms of alternative transportation around buses. Remember all vehicles (including those named above) are required to follow the rules of the road.
- Horseplay, violence, open food or drink, smoking/vaping, threatening/hostile/unsafe actions or words, and other unacceptable behavior are never allowed on-board U of M transit vehicles.
What Is Not Allowed?
- Open alcoholic beverages of any kind
- Drugs or any other controlled substances (transporting or consuming)
- Hazardous materials or potentially hazardous materials (see Bio Research Shuttle on pg. 2 for information regarding transporting bio-research materials)
- Unfolded strollers
- Bicycles
- Any item that cannot be stowed outside the aisle or that takes up seat space
- Any item that compromises safety or access for other riders
- Skateboards, inline skates and foldable bikes/scooters may be carried aboard but must be stored outside the aisle These items may not take up seats
- Pets are not allowed on U-M buses, except for Service Animals that meet the ADA definition, which are always welcome
- No eating on the bus
On Demand Services
Paratransit
Transit Services oversees the university’s Paratransit program. Paratransit service is available year-round on weekdays to eligible members of the University community. If you are in need of assistance moving about campus due to an injury or disability and are unable to use the regular bus routes, Paratransit may be an option for you.
Bio-Research Shuttle
Transit Services also operates the Bio-Research Shuttle for the university. The Bio-Research Shuttle is an on-demand, shared service that runs year-round, Monday – Friday. The Bio-Research Shuttle is intended to be used solely by passengers who need to travel with bio-research materials.
Late-night and After Hours
Many of the campus/residential hall based routes run until 2:00 AM or 3:00 AM during the Fall and Winter terms. In addition, Transit Services offers our “SafeRide” Service during the Fall and Winter Semesters. SafeRide operates 7 days a week (when classes are in session) from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Riders must have a valid MCard and travel is limited. For more information, see the Late-Night/After Hours Services page.
Additional Resources
- Check out our Magic Bus system for real-time bus arrival data.
- Download the U-M Magic Bus app by searching ‘U-M Magic Bus’ at the Apple Store or Google Play
- The bus icon now displays information on passenger levels: Low: < 10% of seated capacity / Medium: 10 – 90% of seated capacity / High: > 90% of seated capacity
- Use Google Maps or your favorite transit app to plan trips using the most updated information.
- Check out the Campus Information Center’s interactive campus map for a full and customizable bus system map.
- Through the MRide program, any member of the University community with a yellow MCard can ride AAATA “TheRide” routes without cost. Just swipe your card at the AAATA bus fare box and ride! Find more information on this program on AAATA’s website.
