Leaders of The Rapid, the metropolitan transit agency, passed three separate proposals to expand rapid mass transit service and continue to improve mobility for residents and visitors throughout greater Grand Rapids at a meeting late yesterday afternoon.
Amidst steadily rising ridership rates, the Rapid Board of Commissioners decided to ask voters for a targeted millage increase to cover the costs associated with a series of improvements to existing bus service. The proposed improvements, projected to cost as much as $2.2 million, include increasing the frequency of busses on select routes, expanding evening and weekend service, and adding a new route to northwest Grand Rapids and Union High School. The millage request will be put to voters in May 2007.
The Rapid boasts an impeccable record of service; is consistently ranked among the top transit agencies of its size in the nation; and voters in the metropolitan area have overwhelmingly supported the past two millage requests.
The Rapid Board also authorized its staff to pursue federal funding for a proposed express bus route. The backbone of the so-called Bus Rapid Transit system would be an approximately 9.8 mile route with 19 stops, located primarily along South Division from downtown to 60th Avenue. At peak hours, the route would also service Health Hill. The BRT system, which would initially require as many as 10 new busses, is projected to cost $33.6 million.
Finally, the Board also decided to accelerate the study and design of a streetcar system serving the central city. The initial phase of the streetcar project, a 2.4 mile route with six cars running at 5 minute intervals, could link the Monroe North Business District and the Van Andel Arena. Early projections suggest the system would require a $69 million investment. Several cities across the United States already have built similiar systems and experienced dramatic increases in private investment along streetcar routes.
Together, the three proposals represent a significant step forward for mass transit service in greater Grand Rapids. They come as a growing movement of citizens and religious and business leaders argue that improved service is essential to the region's ability to grow a modern economy, promote social equity, and safeguard the environment.
Source: Andy Guy, Michigan Land Use Institute
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