getDowntown History
In 1999, the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide), the City of Ann Arbor and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) joined together to address growing concerns about traffic and congestion problems in downtown Ann Arbor. The result was the creation of the getDowntown program in August of 1999. The getDowntown program provides information and assistance to downtown businesses and employees on commuting options, such as biking, riding the bus, walking, and carpooling
The go!pass, an unlimited usage bus pass available to all downtown employees, debuted in November of 1999. Initial funding, provided by a CMAQ grant received by TheRide made it possible to provide go!passes free of charge to participating downtown employers through October, 31st 2001. When federal funding for the go!pass ran out November 1st, 2001, the DDA made it possible to continue offering the go!pass to downtown employees by substantially increasing their funding of the program. To this day the go!pass continues to see significant growth in use.
In 2004, the getDowntown program assumed responsibility for the City’s bike locker program. There are currently 31 Cycle-Safe bike lockers available for yearly rentals in downtown Ann Arbor.
In 2009, the getDowntown program brought Zipcars to downtown Ann Arbor to provide yet another option for downtown employees. There are currently 8 Zipcars in downtown Ann Arbor.
In addition to offering services and resources, the Program also runs programs such as The Commuter Challenge and the Commuter Club which encourage employees to try using their green commuting options.
