We've joined together with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA) to show you how to make the most of TheRide to skip the parking hassle when visiting a few quintessential Ann Arbor’s locations: unique shops and stunning natural areas. TheRide’s Route 22 - Pontiac–Dhu Varren connects shopping districts with some of TreeTown’s finest year-round hiking areas.
We’ll give you the tools to choose your own adventure on Route 22 while having our support to guide you. If you want to try a more guided approach to your first trip using Ann Arbor’s bus system, check out our blog Ann Arbor Transit Adventure for Beginners.
If you are someone who typically drives to Ann Arbor, keep reading for the inside information on where to find free parking spaces!
Note: The cost to reach these destinations by bus is $3 or less per person when using a day pass. Either bring $3 cash or use the EZfare app on a smartphone.
Join us as we share tips on taking the journey from Kerrytown in the heart of Ann Arbor, to the Plymouth Road Mall & Plaza, then travel downtown to explore nature, and head back to Kerrytown.
From Kerrytown to Plymouth Road Mall & Plaza
Before or after your Ann Arbor adventure, explore the shops and cafes found in the charming and historic Kerrytown. In this area, you'll find the famous Zingerman's Deli, Gutman Gallery, and Bellanina Day Spa. When you're ready to go, find the sign for the bus stop on Division Street (near Catherine Street), just one block east of North Star Lounge. The Route 22 bus services this stop hourly from at least 8:00am to 7:00pm on weekends, with later service and more departures on weekdays.
Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early, have your cash fare or EZfare ticket in your hand, and board at the bus’s front door. You’ll look for TheRide bus with signage for Route 22 - Pontiac–Dhu Varren to Pierpont Commons. If it is your first time using TheRide, let the driver know and they’ll provide guidance on what to do with your payment.
It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the shops at the Plymouth Road Plaza and the Park & Ride. When approaching, pull the stop cord or press the stop button to alert the driver you want to exit the bus at Huron Parkway and Nixon.
In this area of University of Michigan's North Campus, we encourage you to check out Rappourt, a family owned gastropub, Yoon's Korean Bakery for sweet treats, and the Songbird Cafe for lunch or tea.
From Plymouth Mall & Plaza to Downtown Ann Arbor
To take a scenic route to downtown Ann Arbor, find the bus shelter on the east side of Nixon Road. Look for an approaching bus for Route 22 - Pontiac–Dhu Varren to Blake Transit Center. Route 22 leaves Plymouth Road Mall heading downtown hourly from at least 8:30am to 6:30pm on weekends, and more departure options on weekdays.
The bus ride from Nixon Road to the entrance of Dhu Varren Woods Nature Area often takes less than 10 minutes, and lets off across from the entrance to the nature area. Pull the stop cord or push the stop button after reaching the intersection of Dhu Varren + Omlesaad.
Return to this same bus stop to head downtown Ann Arbor after spending time outside. Use the service called Text My Bus to determine how much time you have before the next bus comes. Send a text to 41411 with the message “AAATA 1837” to get a message with estimated arrival times at Dhu Varren + Birchwood. Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early even if you are tracking the bus using TheRide’s rider tools.
To continue to Kerrytown, ride the Route 22 bus towards the Blake Transit Center for about 10 minutes more. This time, signal that you want to exit the bus at Fifth + Kingsley by pulling the stop cord or pressing the stop button.
Driving in from out of Town?
Customers using TheRide can park for free in the designated Park & Ride spaces on west side of Huron Parkway between Plymouth & Nixon Road. After parking, follow the instructions on taking the bus from the Plymouth Road Mall for a low-cost, low stress day out in Ann Arbor, and use the instructions from Kerrytown to get back to your car.
To browse the schedule for Route 22 and plan your trip, visit TheRide.org. Preview what it’s like to board TheRide by watching this two-minute video. After spending the day exploring the best of Ann Arbor by bus, you’ll gain confidence to plan other local trips using TheRide and take transit in different cities that you visit!
Bus schedule valid January 28,2024 through April 24. Schedules are subject to change. For info: 734-996-0400 / www.theride.org/how-ride/ride-bus
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