By Lisa Carolin
(Chelsea Update is running a series on businesses in Chelsea beginning with businesses that belong to the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce. This time it’s WAVE.)
The Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) is an agency that was established as a nonprofit in 1976 with the purpose of providing affordable transportation to older adults, people with disabilities, and others who are transit dependent in the western part of the county.
“Last year WAVE provided over 40,000 rides, the majority of which were to the senior and disabled populations,” said Michaelene Pawlak, executive director of WAVE. “Approximately one fourth of WAVE riders are people under 65 years of age, transit dependent or riders by choice. WAVE is the Chelsea community’s transportation program for everyone.”
WAVE administrative and dispatch office recently opened its new office at 12172 Jackson Road, just east of the Fletcher Road freeway entrance.
“WAVE’s fleet is located in the heart of town behind the Chelsea Fire Hall [station 1],” said Pawlak. “I love the community’s investment into the well-being of residents and businesses through a myriad of year round activities, events, service organizations and much more.”
She credits the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce with promoting community services such as WAVE’s transportation programs.
