The Rapid to Hold Public Input Meetings

The Rapid will hold multiple input meetings in early July to gather public feedback on three proposed changes to service: elimination of the Silver Line downtown Grand Rapids fare-free zone, reinstatement of regular fares on Route 19 (Michigan Crosstown), and the system-wide elimination of paper ticket transfers and change cards.

Meetings will take place on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, and Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at the Rapid Central Station Community Room. Each day will provide morning and evening input opportunities, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Any members of the public that plan to attend the in-person meetings will be asked to wear a mask or face covering if they are medically able to minimize the risks of exposure and spread of COVID-19. In addition, a maximum capacity of 20 people will be allowed in the Rapid Central Station Community Room at one time, and physical distancing will be required.

The Rapid will also host two Facebook Live Q&A sessions on Thursday, June 25, 2020, from 12:00-12:30 p.m. and 5:30-6:00 p.m.

In addition to the in-person meetings and Facebook Live sessions, multiple options are available for anyone that would prefer to provide feedback without attending a meeting:

• A dedicated public comment email address is active – gro.diparehtedir@tnemmoc
• A dedicated voicemail box is active – 616-774-1235
• Comments and feedback can be mailed to:
  • Communications Department
  • 300 Ellsworth Ave. SW
  • Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The public comment period for these changes will remain open from Tuesday, June 16, 2020, through Friday, July 10, 2020.

As mentioned, the following proposals are being considered:

• Elimination of the Silver Line downtown Grand Rapids fare-free zone: Fare enforcement will return to the entire Silver Line route, eliminating the fare-free zone in downtown Grand Rapids (north of Wealthy street). All customers will be required to pay a fare and fare enforcement officers will check for proof of payment on the entire route.
• Reinstatement of regular fares on Route 19 (Michigan Crosstown): Route 19 (Michigan Crosstown) will no longer be free to ride. Customers will be required to pay a regular fare to ride Route 19 (Route 19 is currently out of service).
• System-wide elimination of paper ticket transfers and change cards: Free transfers will no longer be provided to customers paying cash fare, and change cards will no longer be issued for customers paying cash without exact change.

Customers and members of the public are encouraged to provide feedback and comment on these proposed changes. All three changes are proposed to take effect on Saturday, August 1, 2020.

The fare changes on the Silver Line and Route 19 are intended to standardize fare payment and collection on all fixed-route service throughout The Rapid’s system. The elimination of paper ticket transfers and change cards is part of the continued transition to The Rapid’s e-fare system, The Wave. The Wave card provides increased value for customers, speeds up boarding on the bus, provides free transfers to all customers, and minimizes interaction between the Bus Operator and the customer which provides a safer riding environment for all during this pandemic. More information is available at wave.ridetherapid.org.