How To Ride The Rapid

Are you interested in riding The Rapid but not sure how it works?

Here's everything you need to know to ride as if you've been doing it all your life.

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Planning

Check your route schedule online with:

• Rapid System Map
• Rider Tools
• Call 616-776-1100 - Then, choose option 1
• Plan ahead for weekend and holiday service. Buses do not run on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Service runs as scheduled on all other holidays.

At the Stop

Arrive at least five minutes early and wait near the stop where the driver can see you.

As the bus arrives, check the sign above the front window to be sure it’s the correct bus route and direction. Signal the driver that you want to board.

Stay back from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop. If you need a boarding ramp, ask the bus operator.

Boarding

Board the bus at the front door; the rear door is for exiting passengers.

If you have questions about whether you have the right bus or where your stop is located ask the bus driver.

*Please note that once you pass the yellow line at the front of the bus, you are encouraged to hold on as you navigate to an open seat while the bus continues its journey.

Payments & Transfers

Pay for your ride either using a Wave Card, contactless payment, or cash.

With The Wave card and contactless payment, your transfer time frame is 105 minutes and begins with your first tap. This means that you have 105 minutes to ride anywhere in the system, even on the same route!

Your first tap will charge a normal fare to your account. Subsequent taps within the 105-minute transfer time frame will not charge your account.

Riders using cash are recommended to pay in exact fare, as fare boxes do not provide change or change cards. Transfers are not available when paying cash fare, including on interlined routes.

*Interlining routes is a common practice in the transit industry that combines two or more routes into one operational schedule. For example, a bus can arrive at a location as one route, and after a brief layover, leave as a different route. This means that if the route you are currently riding transitions into a new route, you must treat that as a new ride and tap your card for a free transfer or pay cash again.

Learn more about the Wave card.

Riding

If you're standing, move toward the back so others can board.

Listen for announcements on the next major stops and intersections.

When you're a block or two away from your stop, pull the cord above your seat to signal the driver.

Exit through the rear door.

For your safety, never cross in front of the bus after exiting.