Media Contact: Mario Morrow Mario Morrow & Associates, LLC (313) 800-5973 (o) or (313) 806-0818 (c) [email protected] Detroit – Ann Arbor Express Connection Service (D2A2) Suspended Starting April 1 Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Detroit – The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) and the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) have announced that the D2A2 express service connecting Detroit and Ann Arbor will be suspended starting April 1 until further notice due to the COVID- 19 pandemic. Initial ridership on D2A2 showed real promise before the COVID-19 pandemic was announced. As businesses, schools and entertainment venues closed their doors, ridership started to slip. “We initially reduced service on March 30th in response to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order to stay home to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, after further review we’ve concluded that suspending this service until further notice is appropriate,” Matt Webb, RTA General Manager said. “Unlike more established routes provided by DDOT, SMART and AAATA, D2A2 has not been in service long enough to build a strong customer base,” added Webb. “We have been encouraged by the demand we initially experienced, and therefore we look forward to resume D2A2 service when the demand for more regular use is expected.” The RTA, TheRide, and D2A2’s transportation provider, Michigan Flyer want to remind the community of helpful tips to stop the spread of COVID-19: • Avoid close contact with people who are sick • Stay home when you are sick, if possible. This helps prevent spreading your illness to others • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing • Wash your hands often to help keep germs away. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces • Maintain social distancing guidelines • Reduce travel to essential trips only Regular updates regarding the D2A2 service will be provided on www.d2a2.com About the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) The RTA was created in 2012 to plan for and coordinate public transportation in the four- county Southeast Michigan region, including developing a plan for rapid transit. It has a 10- member board whose members are appointed for three-year terms by the county executives of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, the chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, the Mayor of Detroit, and the Governor of Michigan. The Governor's appointee serves as chair and without a vote. For more information, visit www.rtamichigan.org .