Ann Arbor commuters riding the D2A2 Express Bus gained new weekday and weekend options Tuesday, Sept. 8, after the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) expanded the route in both directions.

The D2A2 line between Detroit and Ann Arbor now carries more than 10,000 riders a month, WEMU reported. RTA Executive Director Ben Stupka said the added trips respond to concerns from working commuters, particularly healthcare employees, who struggled with buses arriving late.

Stupka told WEMU the expansion helps riders who found the bus "arriving a little bit late," giving them "a much more steady ability to get to work."

New weekday schedule

Four new Detroit-to-Ann Arbor morning departures now leave at 5:30 a.m. (arriving 6:30 a.m.), 7:00 a.m. (arriving 8:00 a.m.), 8:00 a.m. (arriving 9:00 a.m.) and 9:00 a.m. (arriving 10:00 a.m.), according to WDIV. Three new Ann Arbor-to-Detroit trips depart at 5:45 a.m. (arriving 6:45 a.m.), 6:45 a.m. (arriving 7:45 a.m.) and 7:45 a.m. (arriving 8:45 a.m.).

Weekend and evening runs

New weekend service adds three Detroit-to-Ann Arbor departures: 6:00 p.m. (arriving 7:00 p.m.), 8:45 p.m. (arriving 9:45 p.m.) and 11:15 p.m. (arriving 12:15 a.m.). Two Ann Arbor-to-Detroit weekend trips leave at 7:30 p.m. (arriving 8:30 p.m.) and 10:00 p.m. (arriving 11:00 p.m.), according to WDIV.

The late-evening additions replace the Summer Midnight Run, a late-night weekend nonstop service between the two cities that ended Sunday, Sept. 6.

Fares and tickets

Fares start at $6, according to WDIV. A one-way ride costs $8 at the door or $6 with a reservation. Commuter Books of 10 tickets run $50; books of 50 cost $100. Discounted fares are available for seniors and people with disabilities.

Stupka said the route's continued growth shows riders want an alternative to driving and parking within city limits, WEMU reported.

The RTA said the expansion also serves students and leisure travelers between the two cities, according to WDIV.

Riders can reserve seats and buy tickets at d2a2.com or by calling 517-333-0400.