A new public transit route will be tested next year to determine interest in frequent bus service linking Detroit and Ann Arbor.

The four-county Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and Ann Arbor Area Transit Authority are partners in the just-disclosed experiment. Daily trips start early next year, with no date or stops announced yet.

"The proposed service will provide hourly trips between the two communities for 16 hours a day during the week (6 a.m.-10 p.m.) and limited service on Saturday and Sunday," an RTA announcement says. The draft weekend schedule shows four trips each way.

"The proposed service would be a demonstration project intended to establish the market for transit in this corridor and evaluate the effectiveness of other commuter/congestion mitigation strategies along this corridor."

Tentative fares:

$12 one-way (pay on bus)

$10 online advance booking

$8 for commuters buying 10-ticket booklet

$6 for over-65 and riders with disabilities

The RTA hosts a public hearing Jan. 8 in each city to descibe the plan and hear comments on the new bus. The Detroit event is at noon on the 14th floor of 1001 Woodward Ave. and the Ann Arbor one is at 5 p.m. in the Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. 5th Ave.

Comments also can be emailed to info@RTAmichigan.org or given by phone at (313) 402-1020 until Jan. 13.

► Schedules