Winter 2025 Transit Updates: Enhanced Accessibility and User Experience

Logistics, Transportation, and Parking is introducing several transit system enhancements to improve user experience and accessibility. These updates will roll out at the beginning of the Winter 2025 semester. Here are the key changes you need to know about.

Changes and Improvements

Bus Labeling with Route Identifiers

• Buses will display route identifiers from the Magic Bus app on rear illuminators. This change ensures easy reading and consistent labeling across all platforms, including the Rider Guide and website.

Recolored Route Identifiers

• Route identifiers and their colors on the Magic Bus app have been updated for better accessibility. The bus route guide now lists route identifiers alongside full route names, aiding easy recognition.

Major Stop Boarding Plans

• Boarding plans have been introduced at busy transit hubs like Pierpont Commons and Central Campus Transit Center (CCTC). These plans specify bus stop locations, reducing confusion and streamlining boarding, particularly for new users.

Updated Bus Stop Signs

• High-traffic bus stops, including CCTC and Pierpont, will feature new signs with updated route identifiers and directional indicators. These help clarify arriving buses and their destinations.

QR Codes For Stop Arrivals

• Major bus shelters now feature QR codes, offering quick access to a webpage with estimated arrival times for U-M buses at that stop. Simply scan for real-time updates.

New Transit “How-To-Ride” Video

• A collaborative video with Michigan Media, detailing bus navigation, is forthcoming. Targeted at newcomers, it serves as a useful refresher for all riders. Watch for it in the Rider Guide section.

Why These Changes?

The modifications aim to:

• Simplify understanding of bus routes.
• Enhance accessibility for users with visual impairments.
• Provide clear guidance at major stops for a smoother transit experience.

While adapting to new systems can take time, these updates promise to enhance your transit experience. Review the updated bus route guide and watch for changes post-break.