getDowntown Program

05/29/2026

The four social contests for the 2026 Commuter Challenge end May 31st! You might win gift cards to FOUND gallery, Bivouac Ann Arbor, Spun Ann Arbor, or Jabal Coffee House just by:

- telling us what type of walker you are (see our May 6th post and leave a comment),
- sharing a photo or video of the bike you use for commuting,
- finding the special phrase (see our post from May 19th) on TheRide buses, or
- sending us a photo of a favorite billboard seen along your commute (must be taken from the passenger seat)

It's not too late to win! Tag us in your posts or send us an email to enter. Details on getDowntown.org/events/commuter-challenge

05/28/2026

What is the difference between carpooling and vanpooling? It's more than the type of vehicle!

Vanpooling is similar to carpooling but, instead of riding together in personal vehicles, the commuter groups use vans or SUVs that are provided and maintained by a third party. Vanpools carry between 4-15 passengers, usually commuting from a distance farther than 15 miles. The formal structure of a vanpool gives commuters confidence in having a dependable ride to work.

There are vanpools to from , , , , , and more.

Find additional information on both carpooling and vanpooling at getdowntown.org/commuter-resources/rideshare.

05/27/2026

No shared commute is complete without spotting a funny billboard along the way and having someone to witness it with you 😅 During your next carpool or vanpool trip, snap a photo of a funny or interesting billboard you see on your commute, then submit it to the getDowntown Program for a chance to win a gift card to for your entire carpool crew! Either tag us on social media or email us your entry. ⚠️ Safety reminder: The driver should NOT be taking the photo while driving, please have a passenger snap the pic!

05/26/2026

It’s carpool week and the last week of the getDowntown Commuter Challenge!

Log a carpool or vanpool trip May 24 – 31 on win.getDowntown.org to be entered to win a gift card to !

Look for additional resources for finding a shared ride from all over southeast Michigan by visiting getdowntown.org/commuter-resources/rideshare.

05/24/2026

The vehicle you use to reach Ann Arbor doesn't need to be the same vehicle you use to get around once you arrive.

Savvy commuters who drive into Ann Arbor can park for free (no special permit required) at various Park & Ride locations, then make a quick switch to a bus to continue to other Ann Arbor destinations. The bus connects several free parking locations to many key work locations, including downtown Ann Arbor, U-M campus, and U-M hospitals.

Park & Ride pairs the best parts of two convenient transportation options!

05/23/2026

D2A2 is an excellent option for commuting between and without driving.

The downtown Ann Arbor D2A2 stop will move beginning June 1 because of construction. The new stop will be located on E. Washington Street between State and Division streets, three blocks from the current stop. This change is expected to last for several months. Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan will be posting updates to D2A2.com, the RTA website, and social media channels.

05/21/2026

Your spring and summer hires may need a go!pass! The go!pass is a unique bus pass that allows people who work in downtown Ann Arbor to take unlimited rides on TheRide's buses.

The go!pass makes commuting by bus simple and employees love this perk of working downtown! Find details about this program at getDowntown.org/gopass.

05/20/2026

A reminder for Monday, May 25: TheRide will not operate fixed-route buses due to the holiday, but FlexRide Holiday service will be available.

As a reminder, ThRide will not operate service next Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. FlexRide Late Night & Holiday service is available. Learn more at: bit.ly/4cZZ3n5.

05/19/2026

Commuter Challenge scavenger hunt alert! 🚍🔍

Have you spotted BOTH bus card signs inside TheRide buses? Look up next time you board TheRide buses to find the signs. Message the getDowntown Program with the short phrase in the speech bubble by May 31, 2026 to be entered to win a gift card to Spun Ann Arbor!

Visit getDowntown.org for more information on the getDowntown Commuter Challenge and prizes.

05/18/2026

We are excited to celebrate Transit Week with you!

Log a transit commute May 17 – 23 on win.getDowntown.org to be entered to win a Kerrytown Market & Shops of Ann Arbor!

Find resources and tips for using public transit in the area by visiting getdowntown.org/commuter-resources/bus.

05/17/2026

You don't know until you try it!
It doesn't hurt to learn about and try other ways to get to work beyond your normal routine. Knowing how to get to work by scooter, bus, carpool, or a combination of transportation options only gives you more options. Let the getDowntown Commuter Challenge be your excuse to try something new!