The Rapid proposes $2.2M in mass transit enhancements

The question is simple: do Grand Rapids residents view public transportation as an amenity for the poor, elderly, and disabled, or do they view it as a critical piece of urban infrastructure that adds vibrancy to a community and its economy?

The answer to that question may be the deciding factor on whether or not improvements to Grand Rapids’ public transportation system, The Rapid, will become a reality.

On December 6, the Interurban Transit Partnership (ITP) board voted to adopt Phase 1 of the improvements recommended by comprehensive operational analysis (COA) for The Rapid, the regional bus service.

The improvements include: making existing routes more effective, rearranging current routes to make transfers and route connections easier, and adding a route to Metro Health Village in Wyoming. The costs for making the changes are estimated at $200,000 and are within The Rapid’s current budget.

Phase 2 includes: a new bus route for northwest Grand Rapids, enhanced connectivity of routes in Kentwood, Wyoming, and Walker so riders don’t have to go to the downtown lot to transfer, additional weekend buses, and increased frequency of buses.

The Rapids’ current budget cannot absorb the $2.2 million needed for the improvements. They may require a tax increase of approximately 1.8 mills.

David Bulkowski, executive director of Disability Advocates of Kent County, attended the December meeting and supports the proposed changes.

"If you invest in transit, the community reaps significan economic, social, and environmental benefits," Bulkowski said, adding that, even if a millage vote passed in 2007, the improvements wouldn’t be in place until 2008.

“[If the millage passes] the average taxpayer is going to see their tax bill go up $10 to $15. I can show you how to save that by taking the bus,” Bulkowski said.

As co-chair the Friends of Transit, Bulkowski has helped run millage campaigns for The Rapid in 2000 and 2003. Both times, at least 65 percent of voters voted yes. He said he looks forward to running the next campaign, as well.