Transit Master Plan--Next Step: Implementation

• 6/14/2010 GVMC's Kent County Needs Assessment Study Underway

  The study is to provide an assessment of the unmet need and demand for transit in Kent County, particularly those parts of Kent County that are not currently served by The Rapid. Visit the study website for more information, including a list of stakeholder meetings and other opportunities for public input. View Site

• 6/9/2010 Holiday Service--Independence Day

  Because many businesses and organizations are recognizing the Independence Day holiday on July 5, The Rapid will NOT be running service on Monday, July 5th. This applies to all services including fixed-route buses, GO!Bus, and County Connection. The office and Information Line will be closed as well. Service will operate on the usual Sunday schedule on July 4th and resume normal schedules on July 6th.

• 5/28/2010 MM2030 Task Force Recommends a TMP to The Rapid's Board

  After eight months of actively soliciting public input, technical presentations and discussions, the Mobile Metro 2030 Task Force made its recommendation to The Rapid's Board on May 26. Final adoption will be considered at the Board's June 30th meeting. View Site

• 4/27/2010 TMP Open House Dates Announced

  May 11--11:30 am - 1:30 pm, LaGrave Church, 107 LaGrave Avenue SE, Grand Rapids. An option lunch is available for $10. Contact Disability Advocates ofKent County at 616-949-1100 x253
  May 11--5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Rapid Central Station, 250 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids
  May 12--6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Walker Fire Station #2, 4101 Lake Michigan Drive, Walker
  May 13--6:00 pm - 8:00pm, Kentwood City Chambers, 4900 Breton Avenue, Kentwood
  May 19--6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Wyoming Public Library, 3350 Michael Avenue, Wyoming View Site

• 2/18/2010 2/18/10 - TMP Survey is available

  Since the Transit Master Plan launched, hundreds of people throughout The Rapid’s service area have attended workshops, emailed their ideas and voiced their opinions to Mobile Metro 2030 Task Force members about the future of transit in the greater Grand Rapids area. Now, you have the opportunity to rank your top five priorities of the ideas already submitted by the public, as well as add new ideas to the list. The deadline for completing the survey is April 16, 2010. View Site

• 1/18/2010 Peer Review Results Released

  The Rapid compares favorably among 10 like-sized transit systems for operating efficiency, maintenance and service area... Read full article.

• 1/7/2010 New System Maps Have Arrived

  The maps are available on-board buses and at the Information Center at Rapid Central Station.

• 9/22/2009 Art of Giant Proportions

  In celebration of the annual arrival of The Greatest Show On Earth® as well as the official kick off of ArtPrize 2009, the painting pachyderms of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® are getting in on the artistic inspiration invading Grand Rapids! On Thursday, Sept. 24 at Noon these Asian artisans along with twenty-five young artists from Very Special Arts (VSAMI-GR) of Michigan - Grand Rapids will gather to cover an incredibly large and unique canvas – a Rapid bus! View Site

• 9/16/2009 The Rapid Partners with Meijer to Make Getting to ArtPrize Easier

  ArtPrize leadership sponsor Meijer is making select Meijer locations available for patrons who wish to park and ride The Rapid to the downtown area. Wristband holders can ride the Rapid for free and then catch the ArtPrize shuttle to the five neighborhoods. Other ArtPrize visitors are welcome to use the Meijer lots and The Rapid at regular fare rates. The one-way adult cash fare is $1.50. The free rides for wristband holders are in effect daily from September 23 - October 10, beginning one hour before the ArtPrize times.
  
  View Site

• 8/27/2009 FY2010 Budget Adopted

  At its August meeting, the ITP Board unanimously adopted the proposed FY2010 budget. The operating budget declined as compared to FY09, due do drops in property tax millage revenue and state operating. No service cuts are proposed and no fare increases are planned at this time in order to keep the budget cuts from impacting passengers. To balance the budget, cuts were made internally, such as changes to the employee health insurance program, reduced staff travel, and the elimination of internal events such as employee appreciation day. Go to page

• 7/31/2009 Information Kiosk Now Available at Rapid Central Station

  Through the kiosk, located in the main waiting area, riders have access to The Rapid's web site including route, schedule, and detour information as well as news, job announcements, and information on other services.

• 3/31/2009 The Rapid is a Nominee for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

  We've been notified that one of our employees serving in the National Guard has nominated The Rapid for this prestigious award. It recognizes employers for their exceptional support above the requirements of federal law. The 2009 recipients will be announced mid-summer. The Rapid thanks all service men and women for their sacrifice.

• 3/30/2009 Want to Ride the Rapid but Not Sure How to Get Started?

  We've posted a new video that takes you through the process step by step. Go to page

• 3/26/2009 The Rapid Wins an Innovation Award

  The Rapid recently received the 2008 Innovative Transportation Solution of the Year award from the Michigan chapter of the Women's Transportation Seminar. The award was given to recognize The Rapid's on-line carpool matching tool. Go to page

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