LEELANAU SUMMER FUN RIDE RETURNS

BATA’s daily bus service linking Suttons Bay, Lake Leelanau, Leland and Northport Runs Now Through Labor Day

SUTTONS BAY, MI (June 30, 2006)—The popular Summer Fun Ride – Leelanau County’s summer village connection – is returning for another season.

The Summer Fun Ride bus, operated by the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA), now offers daily service, continuing through Labor Day on Sept. 4.

The Summer Fun Ride makes four convenient round trips every day between Leland and Northport via Lake Leelanau, Suttons Bay, Peshawbestown and Omena. The Summer Fun Ride offers residents and visitors an easy and affordable way to get to marinas, beaches, restaurants, shopping districts, entertainment attractions, and jobs.

The cost of riding the Summer Fun Ride is $2 each way for adults, and $1 each way for senior citizens, children 12 and under accompanied by an adult, and persons with disabilities.

Passengers can catch the Summer Fun Ride at one of seven locations:

• Leland and Northport marinas
• Omena Post Office
• Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawbestown
• Suttons Bay Laundry
• Suttons Bay Library
• NJ’s Grocery in Lake Leelanau.

Passengers can also flag down a bus, or request a stop, at any safe point along the route.

The Summer Fun Ride makes weekday connections to Traverse City and other BATA services through the Village Connector Northport route with a free transfer in Suttons Bay.

Route schedules for the Summer Fun Ride will be included on posters and brochures displayed in the Leelanau County villages that are being served. For complete schedule and route information, visit www.bata.net or call 231-941-2324.

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MICHELLE GOETZ GRAHL HIRED AS VOLUNTEER SERVICES COORDINATOR

March 31, 2006

Traverse City, MI - The Northwest Michigan Transportation Alliance (NMTA) has hired Michelle Goetz Grahl as Volunteer Services Coordinator. The mission of NMTA is to deliver safe and affordable transportation to citizens in need, ensuring their continued independence, community involvement and access to vital health services. Ms. Goetz Grahl is housed at the Bay Area Transit Authority (BATA) office. Northwest Michigan Transportation Alliance (NMTA) began operations in January 2005 to better serve the growing transportation needs of northwest Michigan serving 4,219 senior citizens, seniors with handicaps and wheelchair clients from January 1, 2005 to October 31, 2005. NMTA is a collaboration of 20 human services agencies, non-profits and local businesses in Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Benzie counties. Human service agencies find their budgets being reduced dramatically and NMTA offers a synergistic solution to the transportation needs of the communities we serve.

Goetz will work with available transportation sources and volunteers to provide rides to vital health services. Phase II will concentrate on work transportation. Anyone interesting in becoming a volunteer driver call 941-2324.

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BATA UNVEILS ITS FIRST HYBRID ELECTRIC BUS

Dec. 2, 2005

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) is on the road and riding “green” in a prototype of its first series hybrid-electric bus.

The 27-foot bus was unveiled today at a ceremony held at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. Invited guests included local and state governmental representatives, transportation officials, U.S. Rep. Dave Camp (R-Midland) and U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Detroit).

“This is a first for our region and we are proud to bring clean energy transportation to the area in the form of hybrid-electric buses—it’s part of our commitment to the community,” said BATA Executive Director Joe DeKoning. “It’s a series hybrid system which allows the bus to be operated for an extended period in a pure electric, zero-emission mode, controlled by the operator. Even when it operates in its hybrid mode, it’s an ultra-low emission vehicle, and it demonstrates how BATA is dedicated to bringing cleaner, quieter buses into service.”

In November of 2004, Congress approved a $4 million spending bill for BATA to purchase a fleet of hybrid-electric buses and make system upgrades.

“The Grand Traverse area has often been a leader in implementing ‘green’ technologies, which are good for the environment and good for the health and safety of people in the community,” said U.S. Sen. Carl Levin. “This bus system will meet the transportation needs of the residents and tourists in the area while protecting the air and the environment of the Traverse City area. Additionally, hybrid electric vehicles help to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, a goal which will enhance both our national security and our economic security.”

SK International, in Athens, Georgia, converted the 27-foot Bluebird low floor bus to a series hybrid electric system.

The bus is equipped with 56 lead acid batteries to provide electric storage. When the batteries get low during operation, they are charged by a 50 horsepower electric generator/motor powered by a small 3-liter diesel engine.

“When operating in the hybrid mode, the bus has an unlimited range and can run for up to 30 minutes at a time in pure electric zero emission operation. Although the bus is capable of highway speeds, it is primarily designed for urban transit type service where average speeds are typically below 25 miles per hour. The new bus is designed to accommodate 22 passengers and has two wheelchair positions.

“This is a project that is not only environmentally friendly, but will address energy conservation at a time when I think this country really needs to be looking at that,” said Don Sharmen, BATA Assistant Executive Director of Operations.

When the bus is in hybrid mode, it runs on bio-diesel fuel, a clean-burning alternative fuel produced from any fat or vegetable oil such as soybean oil. DeKoning said that future plans include using a new wind turbine electric generator to supply zero-emission electricity for nightly recharging of the buses’ batteries.

The new hybrid-electric bus will be part of BATA’s Cherriot service, which features five regularly scheduled fixed routes that provide predictable and affordable transportation.
Passengers can catch the Cherriot on the Grand Traverse Mall, Cherryland Center, Tom’s East Bay, and South Airport routes. BATA plans to evaluate the performance of the bus on these routes before purchasing additional hybrid-electric buses.

Make and Model:

• 27 foot BlueBird LMB low floor bus
• Converted to a series hybrid electric system by SK International of Athens Georgia
• Capacity-22 passengers with 2 wheelchair positions

Diagram of a series hybrid system:

Highlights:

• A series hybrid system allows the bus to be operated for extended periods in a pure electric, zero emission mode, controlled by the operator.
• The bus is equipped with 56 AGM lead acid batteries to provide electrical storage. When needed during operation, the batteries are charged by a 50 horsepower electric generator/motor powered by a small 3-liter diesel engine. The bus is propelled by a Reliance Electric industrial 150 horsepower AC variable speed induction motor attached by a drive shaft to the conventional differential and rear axle. The DC voltage supplied by the batteries is converted to 3-phase variable frequency AC current by 3 industrial grade SSD inverters.
• Management of battery charging and electronic operator interfacing is controlled by technology provided by SK International.
• Although designed for low speed city operation, the bus is capable of reaching a highway speed of 55 mph.
• Technical support for the project has been provided to BATA by SK International, the Advanced Transportation Technologies Institute (ATTI) of Chattanooga, TN, and the BlueBird Coach Works of Fort Valley Georgia.

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BATA INTRODUCES NEW FIXED ROUTE SERVICE
Northport Route Begins June 27

TRAVERSE CITY, MI (June 20, 2005) – The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) is pleased to announce the addition of a new service for residents in Leelanau County. The Village Connector-Northport Route is the first of four rural fixed routes planned in Leelanau and Grand Traverse Counties. The new service begins June 27.

“The Village Connector system, is fixed-route transportation designed to take passengers to and from Traverse City via outlying villages and towns,” said BATA Executive Director Joe DeKoning. “Complimentary demand-response service is also available for those passengers unable to get to a bus stop.”

The new Northport Route features daily runs beginning with departures in Northport at 6:10 a.m., inbound to Traverse City, with the last daily inbound trip to Traverse City departing at 5:34 p.m.

The Village Connector will make over 18 stops along the M-22 corridor, including: Tom’s Northport; Northport Marina, Omena Post Office, Leelanau Sands Casino, Sutton’s Bay Library, Hanson’s, Tom’s West Bay, and the BATA Transfer Station in Traverse City.

Route maps and schedules are available at each stop and at various locations throughout the area. Village Connector one-way fares are $2 for adults and $1 for senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. The Village Connector is equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks.

Last year, BATA held focus groups to help determine the location and timing of bus routes for the Village Connector system. “We have always prided ourselves on listening to the public to help shape the bus system,” said DeKoning. “We’ve taken input from focus group participants and planned our routes and timing accordingly, to accommodate the needs of residents in outlying communities.”

In 2003, the passage of an improved services millage request of 0.10 mills provided funding for the new service. Additional rural fixed routes planned for this year include Empire, Interlochen and Grawn.

For more information on the Village Connector system, call BATA at 941-2324 or click here.

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LEELANAU’S VILLAGE CONNECTION RETURNS
WITH SUMMER FUN RIDE
BATA’s daily bus service linking Suttons Bay, Lake Leelanau, Leland and Northport begins June 24

SUTTONS BAY, MI (June 17, 2005)—The popular Summer Fun Ride – Leelanau County’s summer village connection – is returning for another season.

The Summer Fun Ride bus, operated by the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA), will begin daily service on Friday, June 24, and continue through Labor Day on Sept. 5, BATA Executive Director Joe DeKoning said.

The Summer Fun Ride makes five convenient round trips every day between Leland and Northport via Lake Leelanau, Suttons Bay, Peshawbestown and Omena. The Summer Fun Ride offers residents and visitors an easy and affordable way to get to marinas, beaches, restaurants, shopping districts, entertainment attractions, and jobs.

DeKoning said BATA is also excited about enhancements to its services this year, with the addition of a weekend connection to Traverse City from Suttons Bay, and the new Village Connector fixed route service in Leelanau County. “We are offering a Traverse City connection on Saturday and Sunday with morning and afternoon arrivals and departures to and from Suttons Bay,” he said. DeKoning said the Village Connector, Northport Route, is the first new rural fixed route to be introduced in Leelanau County. Village Connector service begins June 27.

“Our ridership statistics for the Summer Fun Ride show that the service is very popular with boaters who dock at county marinas and are looking for transportation to villages in central and northern Leelanau County,” BATA Executive Director Joe DeKoning said. “The Summer Fun Ride is not limited to boaters, however. Residents, employees, summer people, tourists and youths like using it as well because it is a dependable and inexpensive way to access the villages in the county.”

DeKoning said the cost of riding the Summer Fun Ride will be unchanged: $1 for adults, and 50 cents for senior citizens, children 12 and under accompanied by an adult, and persons with disabilities.

Passengers can catch the Summer Fun Ride at one of seven locations:

• Marinas in Leland, Northport and Suttons Bay
• Post Office in Omena
• Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshabestown;
• Hansen’s Grocery in Suttons Bay
• NJ’s Grocery in Lake Leelanau.

Passengers can also flag down a bus, or request a stop, at any safe point along the route.

DeKoning added that the Summer Fun Ride makes connections to Traverse City and other BATA services from Hansen Grocery four times a day every Monday through Friday. Call BATA at 941-2355 to arrange a connection. There is no charge for transfers.

The Summer Fun Ride begins service each day at 8:30 a.m. with a route that leaves from Suttons Bay and proceeds to Lake Leelanau, Leland, back to Lake Leelanau, Suttons Bay, Peshawbestown, Omena and Northport. Buses also leave Suttons Bay at 11:20 a.m., 1:40 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Route schedules of the Summer Fun Ride will be included on posters displayed in the Leelanau County villages that are being served.

Click here for Summer Fun Ride route schedules.

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LET BATA DO THE DRIVING AT THE
NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL
Bay Area Transportation Authority will be one of the
sponsors at annual event

TRAVERSE CITY, MI (June 17, 2005) – Attention National Cherry Festival-goers: For easy access to the heart of festival activities, let the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) provide bus service for as little as 10 cents a ride.

For the seventh consecutive year, BATA is providing expanded service to the Cherry Festival on fixed-route Cherriot buses. Passengers won’t have to worry about parking, and can be dropped off or picked up next to the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau from early morning to late evening from July 2 through the Cherry Festival, which will be held from July 2-9.

“As a proud sponsor and supporter of the Cherry Festival, we are delighted to be able to provide this service again this year,” BATA Executive Director Joe DeKoning said. “As more people become comfortable using the Cherriot, its popularity continues to increase. In 1999, when we first started offering Cherriot service to the Cherry Festival, we provided about 1,600 rides through festival week. During the last Cherry Festival, nearly 4,000 rides were given, and we expect to exceed that total this year.”

DeKoning said BATA will add evening Cherriot service, beginning July 2, for every night during festival week. The Cherriot’s downtown transfer point will be relocated from July 2-9 to Garland Street behind the Convention and Visitors Bureau, directly across from the Open Space activities and an easy walk to parades, fireworks and other events. BATA staff will be on hand at the transfer point for information and assistance.

BATA will also make modification to the Tom’s East Bay Cherriot Route to accommodate Cherry Festival goers. “The out-bound bus will enter the Civic Center from Garfield Road, pick up riders then exit through Titus Street, and continue on to Tom’s East Bay,” DeKoning said. “The in-bound bus will enter from Titus Street, pick up riders and exit on Titus Street. This bus will then travel to the Holiday Inn, pick up riders, then go directly to Garland Street. DeKoning said the trip will take approximately 20 minutes each way.

During the festival, four Cherriot routes will provide direct service to Garland Street on the following schedules:

Inbound departures from Target, K-Mart, Tom’s East Bay and Oleson’s West

Weekdays every half-hour, at 10 minutes and 40 minutes after the hour 6:10 a.m- 5:40 p.m.

Weekday Evenings every hour, at 40 minutes after the hour 6:40 p.m.- 10:40 p.m.

Saturdays and Sunday every hour, at 10 minutes after the hour 8:10 a.m.- 11:10 p.m.

Outbound departures from Garland Street Transfer

Weekdays every half-hour, at 10 minutes and 40 minutes after the hour 6:40 a.m.- 6:10 p.m.

Weekday Evenings every hour, at 10 minutes after the hour 7:10 p.m.- 11:10 p.m.

Saturdays and Sunday every hour, at 40 minutes after the hour 8:40 a.m. - 11:40 p.m.;

Last weekday outbound buses will leave the Convention and Visitors bureau at 11:20 p.m.

Last weekend outbound buses will leave the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 11:40 p.m.

The South Airport Route, which operates between Cherryland Center and Grand Traverse Mall, will add evening service July 2-9. During weekdays, connections to the heart of festival activities downtown can be made at 10 minutes after the hour at K-Mart and 40 minutes after the hour at Target. On evenings, connections to downtown must be made at Target at 40 minutes after the hour. On weekends, connections to downtown must be made at Kmart at 10 minutes after the hour.

BATA also announced the stop at Pine and State Streets will not be served by routes 2, 3, or 4 from July 2-9, and that segments of the Cherriot routes following or intersecting parade routes will not be served during the three Cherry Festival parades on July 6, July 7 and July 9. Additionally, State Street stops east of Railroad Avenue on the Tom’s East Bay route will not be served from three hours before parade times until parades are finished.

Fares for Cherriots are 50 cents for senior and disabled riders and children 12 and under when riding with an adult, and $1 for adults, with free transfers. Special Cherriot tokens will be available during the Festival at $1 for a packet of 10. Each token is good for one trip. Tokens will be available during the festival on Cherriots and at the Garland Street transfer point.

For more information on Cherriots and other BATA services call
933-5545, or visit the website at www.bata.net.

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