Active Aging: Expanded hours for WAVE shuttle service benefit area residents

by Sasha Grifka

It’s been over four years since the WAVE shuttle service has been available to residents in the Stockbridge area. To enhance accessibility and connectivity across Western Washtenaw County, the WAVE has announced an extension of its door-to-door service hours starting May 13. This move aims to better serve residents in Stockbridge, Chelsea, Dexter, and Manchester, with a comprehensive transportation solution.

WAVE= Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express

WAVE’s door-to-door service will now be available from Monday through Friday, with expanded hours from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. These new hours help to ensure commuters have access to a reliable transportation option throughout their day, whether for work, appointments, or leisure activities.

As previous director of the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC), Dana Blaszkowski became very familiar with the WAVE services offered to Stockbridge area residents.

One of the distinctive features of WAVE’s services is its inclusivity and reach. Unlike traditional public transportation systems that may have limitations in rural or less densely populated areas, WAVE’s door-to-door service covers dirt roads and rural locales within Western Washtenaw County. This aspect is particularly beneficial for residents in these areas who may face challenges accessing essential services or commuting to urban centers.

As previous director of the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC), Dana Blaszkowski has become very familiar with the WAVE services offered to Stockbridge area residents. She offered the following insight:

“The WAVE shuttle has served as a much-needed connector in our area, especially for our older adults. WAVE serves us with transportation options around the area—including to the senior center and area businesses—and to medical appointments in Chelsea. My interactions with all the WAVE staff have been pleasant, giving me confidence to continue referring this service often.”

WAVE also can provide specialized shuttles for MDOT-approved groups and community events, further bolstering its commitment to serving diverse transportation needs within the region. By catering to specific group transportation requirements, WAVE contributes to fostering community engagement and supporting local initiatives and events.

Thanks to the support of municipalities and Chelsea Hospital covering fares, residents in Stockbridge can avail themselves of convenient door-to-door service without bearing any financial burden. This service allows individuals to be picked up from their doorstep in Stockbridge, transported to any location within Chelsea, and safely brought back to their homes, enhancing connectivity between these areas.

A 50% fare discount is offered for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and K-12 students (children ages 12 or older can ride by themselves).  Also, if you have an appointment that requires someone to wait in the waiting room, WAVE can give you a ride to and from the appointment and also works with a company in the area that will send someone to sit in the lobby during your appointment.

As transportation remains a crucial aspect of everyday life, especially in areas with diverse demographics and geographical challenges, initiatives like WAVE play a pivotal role in promoting accessibility, connectivity, and overall well-being within the community. With the upcoming changes in service hours, WAVE reaffirms its dedication to being a reliable and accessible transportation option for all residents of Western Washtenaw County.

Book a ride with WAVE today: call (734) 475-9494, email book.my.ride@wavebus.org, or download the Ride Pingo app to book the ride on your phone.

Sasha Grifka, from Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express is a guest writer for the Stockbridge Area Senior Center. The SASC—a great place to visit—is located at 219 W. Elm Street in Stockbridge. Call 517-480-0353 or visit the SASC website at stockbridgeareaseniors.org.

WAVE’s door-to-door service will now be available from Monday through Friday, with expanded hours from 6:00am to 9:30 pm. Photo provided by WAVE.