News Summary
The Rapid transit authority has announced the continuation of Sunday bus service for Route 12 starting August 31. This decision follows a successful pilot program reflecting community demand. Route 12 connects downtown Grand Rapids to Standale Meijer and includes other stops, enhancing public transportation accessibility. CEO Deb Prato highlighted positive feedback and the need for reliable transit options, particularly for weekend shopping and leisure travel. The expansion underscores The Rapid’s commitment to improving public mobility in the region.
Grand Rapids – The Rapid transit authority has announced that it will continue to offer Sunday bus service for its Route 12 line beginning on August 31. This decision comes after a successful pilot program that took place over the summer, showcasing a demand for the service.
Route 12 is designed to connect riders from the Rapid’s central bus station located in downtown Grand Rapids to the Standale Meijer store at 315 Wilson Ave. NW. Once the new schedule takes effect, buses on this route will run hourly from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing convenient access for those looking to shop or utilize other services in the area.
In addition to the Standale Meijer and the Rapid Central Station, Route 12 includes at least four other stops, further enhancing connectivity for riders. These additional stops offer access to various neighborhoods and amenities in the surrounding region, and they include:
- Lake Michigan/Collindale
- Bridge/Grandview Apartments
- Lane/Bridge
- Butterworth/Straight
This change in service highlights the ongoing efforts by The Rapid to enhance public transportation within Grand Rapids and surrounding cities. The expansion of Route 12 is designed to meet the needs of residents and visitors, particularly during weekends when shopping and leisure travel often peak.
As Route 12 expands its service, it is essential to note that the Rapid has concluded its Route 1000, a summer pilot program aimed at providing enhanced connectivity to Millennium Park and the Westside. The Route 1000 was introduced specifically to accommodate weekend travelers looking to enjoy the park and its amenities during the warmer months.
Deb Prato, the CEO of The Rapid, observed that the positive feedback gathered from the Route 1000 pilot indicated a community interest in extended public transportation services. Although Route 1000 has ended for the season, the insights gained from this initiative may influence future service decisions.
For those unfamiliar, The Rapid operates in a service area that includes six cities: Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Walker, Kentwood, Grandville, and Wyoming. The organization is managed under the oversight of a board of directors composed of representatives from each of the six cities. This governance structure allows for collaborative efforts in addressing public transit needs across the region.
In light of these developments, riders can take advantage of the new Sunday service offered by Route 12 while also reflecting on the conclusion of the summer Route 1000. The need for a reliable and efficient public transportation system remains critical for the continued growth and development of Grand Rapids and its neighboring communities.
For further information about Route 12, including precise schedules and stops, individuals are encouraged to visit The Rapid’s official website. The expansion of Route 12’s Sunday service represents a significant commitment to public mobility, aiming to improve access and convenience for all residents and visitors in Grand Rapids.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: The Rapid Extending Sunday Bus Service
- Wikipedia: Public Transport
- WOOD TV: The Rapid Adds New Weekend Summer Bus Route
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Public Transportation
- MLive: The Rapid Bus System Expanding Services
- Google Scholar: Public Transportation Expansion
- GR Kids: Hop On Hop Off Dash Bus
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Transportation
- MLive: Grand Rapids Neighborhoods Cleanup
- Google News: Grand Rapids Transit News
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
