Moving to a totally new environment can be stressful, and the academic rigor of U-M tends to exacerbate the issue. I remember being best friends with Google Maps to help me navigate through the campus when I walked around my first two weeks of school. With a constant battle against time and shivery-cold winter, I had to look into means of transportation other than just walking. Now, I would to share what I have learned in the past year with you.
Lyft / Uber
Most people already know what Lyft and Uber are, but let me introduce them to those who do not. Lyft and Uber are companies that help users connect with drivers within the proximity through a mobile app. By having both apps, users have access to a driver almost whenever. I like Lyft and Uber because all the drivers are controlled and regulated by big companies, lowering the risk of me falling into a sketchy situation. The user is charged based on time and distance traveled, but the app is very helpful when you are crunched for time or have a lot of items to carry.
Tip: If you are a new user, ask your friend to give you a promo code so that you and your friend could get a free ride.
Buses
Welcome to Ann Arbor, where there are two different bus services to get you from point A to B. M-Buses and AATA are the most frequently used public transportation services. I am already so excited to inform you about how wonderful the buses are. Yeah, your commute will take longer than taking a cab. But if you time perfectly by monitoring where the buses are, saving money will be as easy as 1, 2, 3. Both services offer mobile apps and real-time M-Buses and AATA buses can be seen here.
M-Bus
|
AATA Bus
| |
Free to the public
|
✔
| |
Free with M-Card
|
✔
| |
Runs 24 hours
|
✔
| |
Routes available beyond campus
|
✔
| |
Live bus tracking available
|
✔
|
✔
|
Equipped to assist the handicapped
|
✔
|
✔
|
Frontal bike racks available
|
✔
| |
If you are living on campus, you will most likely use the M-buses more frequently. The bus tracking is more precise with the M-buses and it hits all the dorms. If you are living off campus and/or shop for your groceries, the AATA buses will quickly become your friends. On weekdays, the AATA buses wait time depends heavily on the demand. During rush hour, you will see one every 10 minutes. But on Sundays, you will see one every hour.
Zipcar / Maven
Having either a Zipcar or Maven membership (or both!) will make you live on the fine line between having a car and being car-less. The process of becoming a member starts on their websites. Note that in order to sign up, you need to have a driver’s license (makes sense, right?). With Maven, your smartphone is the way to get into the car. With Zipcar, you will need to wait a bit until the company sends you a card that you scan on the top corner of the windshield. One downside may be that you need to return the car at the same location you had picked up the car. A good (borderline great) thing about the membership is that the service is available outside of just Ann Arbor! Let’s say you are traveling to the Sunshine State (Florida). You will be able to unlock into a car there with your card!
Blue Bikes & ArborBike
If gliding through the streets on two wheels is something that interests you, look no further. In Ann Arbor, you have two options to rent a bicycle. Blue Bikes lets you rent a bicycle, a helmet, and a lock at an affordable price! The bikes are available at one location on central campus, Outdoor Adventures. If you are looking for a more spontaneous option, go with ArborBike. Your membership could last from 1 day to a year - it’s your choice! You sign up with a credit or debit card and will use it as a membership card. During your membership, you can pick up a bike from any location found throughout Ann Arbor and return it to any designated ArborBike bicycle rack. Here is the selling point: any trip under 60 minutes is free! Using this service will not only save your time and money, but you will be able to put your body to work! This is very useful for any students who spend much of their time sitting in one spot and studying.
Written by Minji Namkoong
No comments:
Post a Comment