'Dial-a-Ride' May Start Soon

Ann Arboríís proposed "dial-a-ride" bus experiment, which has been sputtering the past year or so, could be rolling by July. There are still items which have to be taken care of but Traffic and Transportation Director John E. Robbins said it is possible the system could be in operation the first of July. The city budget for fiscal 1971-72 includes the city's share of the project - some $10,000 in cash and another $14,500 in "in-kind" services, and the Transportation Authority has approved a resolution to go ahead with the proposal. The initial "dial-a-ride" system would include two phases. Under the fir'st phase, bus service would be provided in the southwest section of the city with three buses and then would be expanded under the second phase to cover the Washtenaw-Geddes Ave. area. . Robbins says the plan is to provide service in areas not now covered by buses. Also, he said, it is hoped to get middle and upper income persons to use the new service. Basically, the "dial-a-ride" system I will provide doorstep service upon demand. One item which is not resolved is what I the "dial-a-ride" service will charge I customers. Thé state is asking that the I rate be set at 85 cents, while the authoriI ty is asking for the lower cost of 60 I cents. Also, negotiations are still under way I with local taxicab companies which are I objecting to the "dial-a-ride" concept, I fearing it will cut into their business. At I one point, the cab companies were I threatening a lawsuit to halt the proI posed project.