Charting a Vision for the Future of Greater Grand Rapids
A Transit Master Plan or TMP is a comprehensive, 20-year plan that will guide the future development of The Rapid transit system. The following is a section pulled from the approved TMP. Download the full Transit Master Plan from The Rapid's TMP website.
Development of the 2030 Transit Master Plan
The Mission Statement of The Rapid is “to create, offer and continuously improve a flexible network of regional public transportation options and mobility solutions. “ The timing for this effort is perfect and crucial in continuing to meet the visions set forth by The Rapid in the ever growing and changing interâurban area. The TMP will result in a tactical analysis of current and future conditions and the needs of the municipalities that reside within The Rapid service area.
The Transit Master Plan (TMP) was envisioned as a plan that would provide a strategic direction for The Rapid over the next twenty years. The TMP identifies current and future transit needs, examines
alternate courses of action, and targets transit improvements that should be pursued by The Rapid over the next 20 years to accommodate the region's growth and improve the quality of life. The TMP also includes an update of the 2005 comprehensive operational analysis, a review of the paratransit service (GO!Bus), and prescribes transitâsupportive land use policies for corridors identified as possible BRT or modern streetcar lines.
The result of the 2030 Transit Master Plan’s planning process, the Preferred Scenario, details specific service enhancements, new programs, and provides a projected level of local investment needed to implement and sustain such a program. In order to generate the financial plan, the TMP team developed an illustrative phasing program, showing how improvements could be implemented over the next 20 years. This program is by no means a specific roadmap for implementation. The Preferred Scenario is based on several assumptions, including support for additional contractual services outside the six cities and the availability of additional state operating support through a proposed fuel tax increase for transportation. While the TMP identifies specific service improvements and capital projects, local needs and resources can change over time. For this reason, it is important to recognize that some recommended service improvements and capital projects may not be implemented as originally planned but may be refined, deferred or even accelerated based on local conditions. Conversely, new projects may be added if there are funding and resources as well as public support to take advantage of those opportunities.
See the Full Master Transit Plan
