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We Need Your Help!

Rapid Connect: Mobility On-Demand from The Rapid

The Rapid is launching a new mobility service in Walker and Kentwood in January 2022 that will provide a public transit option near the 3 Mile Road area and the Broadmoor Avenue area.

This service, called Rapid Connect, will allow customers to book rides that connect to our regular bus system in real-time via mobile app.

Smaller vehicles (Ford Transit vans) will provide curb-to-curb service within the defined on-demand zone (see maps below).

The areas for the Rapid Connect on-demand service have been historically underserved by public transit, and this new service will provide a flexible mobility option to transport customers to jobs, retail services, and other critical destinations. The Rapid is excited to launch this new service and provide critical mobility access to more customers throughout our service area.

The Rapid Connect service in Walker will connect to our regular bus system at the Alpine Meijer store (Route 9) and Walker Village (Route 7). In Kentwood, connections will be available at Kentwood Station/Woodland Mall (Routes 5, 6, 24, 28, 29, 27, and 44) and Kentwood City Hall (Route 44).

We will be beta-testing this service in January, and we want your feedback on how it works, what can be improved, and any other ideas to make it as user-friendly and effective as possible.

To sign-up and help us test the service, please call email (please allow approximately 24 hours for follow-up).

Once you’ve started taking rides, please let us know how it’s working for you!

How does it work?

Customers can download the app in the Apple App store and the Google Play store, set up their profile, and start booking rides. The app operates similar to well-known ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft. To get started, email to let us know you're interested.

When is the service available?

In the initial beta-testing phase, Rapid Connect service will be available Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

How do I pay and how much does a ride cost?

Our Rapid Connect vehicles will accept cash fare and the Wave card. No transfers or change cards will be provided to customers paying with cash, and customers using a Wave card will receive all the regular benefits associated with the card (free transfers, fare capping, etc.).

The cost to use Rapid Connect is $1.75. If you have a reduced fare or youth Wave card, your card will be charged your reduced amount.

How early can I book a ride?

Rides can be reserved through the mobile app up to 7 days in advance of your trip.

What if I use a mobility assistance device (such as a wheelchair, etc.)?

You will be able to indicate that you have a mobility device and may require loading/unloading assistance in the app. All of our Rapid Connect vehicles are ADA accessible.

More questions? Please call 616-774-1287.

Kentwood On Demand Zone (click on the map to zoom in)

Kentwood ODZ Map

Walker On-Demand Zone (click on the map to zoom in)

Walker ODZ Map