The store where Sasha works is at Arborland Mall. We were planning that he would take the bus most days, and occasionally Kala or I would drive him. Then, the day before he was to start work, the Ann Arbor Transit Authority announced that the bus stop at Arborland Mall (where three bus lines intersect) was closing, effective immediately. The bus stop was torn out within 24 hours, in fact, making it clear the buses will not return. The AATA may build one across the street from Arborland some time later.

I was appalled and upset. The closest bus stop is now quite some distance away. There's no good way to get to Arborland by bus anymore. Putting a stop across the street is hardly a solution--Washtenaw Avenue is six lanes of busy traffic, and there's nowhere to cross safely. I mean, NOWHERE. The only traffic light doesn't have a pedestrian button, and there isn't enough time to cross. Not to mention that there's a lack of sidewalks in the area. The buses are a vital artery to Arborland.

So why dismantle the bus stop? It seems that some of the stores have been complaining that commuters have been leaving their cars at Arborland and hopping on the bus. This takes up parking spaces. Some of the stores (and mind you, these are all huge, upscale stores--no Mom and Pop stores allowed at Arborland these days) have been whining that the commuters have been using parking spaces set aside for customers.

WTF? I've never once gone to Arborland and found the entire parking lot full. I mean, never. There's always plenty of parking. But no, those evil commuters, who help the environment by taking public transportation, are TAKING UP PARKING!!! The horror!

But wait--there's more!

Apparently, buses bring a lower class of people to Arborland's upscale stores. These undesirables, who, according to the upscale stores, should be swept under the rug and stomped on, wander about this picturesque strip mall, wreaking havoc, overturning cars, smashing through walls, and breathing fire on the more upscale citizenry (read, "those who can afford cars.")

Arborland is owned by AmCap. I've already called them and left a message in the general mailbox. I'll call again when I can try to talk to a real person:

Headquarters
AmCap, Inc.
1281 East Main Street
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 327-2001
Information@amcap.com