New RAPID master plan expands service and adds streetcars

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Over the next 20 years, RAPID public buses in West Michigan may go farther and more frequently and provide more service on weekdays and holidays. Streetcars may even carry passengers in downtown Grand Rapids.

Wednesday, the RAPID board of directors approved a new 20 year master plan. They say it gives passengers many of the improvements they say they want.

What this plan represents, in large part, is a doable dream," says RAPID Board Chair Dan Lawless.

The new plan keeps buses running later on all routes every day including holidays.

"They don't run late enough," complains passenger Brian Temple. "They stop running at 11:15."

"I would work later on the weekends if the buses ran later," says commuter Abigail Blair.

Buses would run until midnight Saturdays and 9:00 p.m. Sundays.

"Sunday service for the church go-ers would be awesome," says Wiering.

The plan also reduces waiting time, adds express routes on Lake Michigan Drive and Division Avenue and adds service to Cedar Springs, Hudsonville, Caledonia and Ada.

"So we can go out to the more rural areas," says passenger Julie Wiering.

A proposed streetcar line would carry passengers north and south on Monroe and east and west on Fulton and serve the "medical mile" in downtown Grand Rapids. The master plan can't be implemented unless voters agree to renew or possibly increase current millage rates and pay higher fares.

"I don't think our city is that busy for that type of commuting," disagrees rider Diago Quinn. "I don't think we need that much commuting."

"I would support it all the way," says Abigail Blair, waiting for the bus with two small children. "It's worth it, it really is."

The RAPID's last 20 year master plan was approved in 1998. Directors say it was implemented in just 12 years. They say they will add elements of the new master plan over time, asking for financial support from the public along the way.

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