In late October the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority voted to become the authority responsible for WALLY—the “Washtenaw and Livingston Line” that may, someday, deliver commuters from Howell to Ann Arbor. Though some board members expressed concern about the commitment of money and time, the vote was unanimous—prompting chair David Nacht to announce, “Choo choo!” The step means the train’s promoters can now apply for federal funds. A $500,000 grant is already budgeted—but when it comes to trains, that’s small change: it’s estimated that WALLY will require $32 million in capital expenditures up front and then $7 million a year to operate. Since fares are projected to bring in only about $2 million a year, AATA may put a new countywide transit millage before voters as early as next August. In the meantime, it’s helping to fund a study for a connector system from a future WALLY station that might include a streetcar, and subsidizing some commuter bus routes to other parts of the county. Still unresolved: how to shield AATA from liability if the northbound train never materializes—because it if doesn’t, those federal grants will have to be repaid.

Upcoming Events
- May 18, 2022
“May the 4th Run with You: A Virtual 4K”: Epic Races.
All Day - May 18, 2022
Free Vaccination Clinic: Ann Arbor YMCA
10:00 am - May 18, 2022
Volunteer Day: Hudson Mills Metropark.
10:00 am - May 18, 2022
“Tiny Tails Story Time”: Humane Society of Huron Valley.
10:30 am - May 18, 2022
Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
11:00 am - May 18, 2022
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
12:00 pm - May 18, 2022
Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
12:00 pm - May 18, 2022
Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
12:30 pm - May 18, 2022
Chess: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
1:00 pm - May 18, 2022
The Schmoozery: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
1:00 pm - May 18, 2022
“Live Trivia”: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
1:00 pm - May 18, 2022
"Rumors": PTD Productions.
2:00 pm - May 18, 2022
“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
3:00 pm - May 18, 2022
Board Game Night: Bløm Meadworks.
5:00 pm - May 18, 2022
“A2AC Gala”: Ann Arbor Art Center Fundraiser.
5:00 pm - May 18, 2022
“Meals on Heels: ’70s Edition”: Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels
6:00 pm - May 18, 2022
“Dining for Dollars”: Unified.
6:00 pm - May 18, 2022
“Advancing Equity Through the Public Defender’s Office”: Washtenaw Regional Organizing Coalition.
6:30 pm - May 18, 2022
Kerrytown Crafters.
7:00 pm - May 18, 2022
Michelle Lietz & jason b. crawford: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati.
7:00 pm - May 18, 2022
“Ponyo”: Fathom Events.
7:00 pm - May 18, 2022
Open Rehearsal: The Arbor Consort.
7:30 pm - May 18, 2022
"Spring String Fling!": Pioneer High School Orchestra
7:30 pm - May 18, 2022
Open Dancing: Swing Ann Arbor.
9:00 pm - May 19, 2022
“May the 4th Run with You: A Virtual 4K”: Epic Races.
All Day - May 19, 2022
Spring Migration Walk in Nichols Arboretum: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
8:00 am - May 19, 2022
“Springtime Invitational Competition”: Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club.
9:00 am - May 19, 2022
“Native Americans of the Great Lakes Region: Past and Present”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series.
10:00 am