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Standing-Room-Only Crowd Greets Rapid's Silver Line
The Rapid, Grand Rapids, MI, launched the Silver Line, Michigan’s first BRT service, Aug. 25 before a standing-room-only crowd of supporters. FTA Acting Administrator Therese McMillan, Michigan DOT Director Kirk Steudle, and local officials joined Peter Varga, The Rapid’s chief executive officer, and Barb Holt, its board chair, at the opening-day event.
The 9.6-mile Silver Line connects the communities of Kentwood and Wyoming, along with the southern portion of Grand Rapids, with the city’s core downtown. It serves residential areas along the corridor as well as such major employers and downtown destinations as the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids Community College, DeVos Place Convention Center, and an entertainment district anchored by VanAndel Arena. The Silver Line can operate more rapidly than non-BRT service because it eliminates transfers between stops and uses dedicated bus lanes for much of the route.
“You can’t do anything great without your staff,” said Varga, who asked staff members to wave and be recognized. “We have worked very hard to bring this service to our community and are happy to be able to share this day with so many friends.”
McMillan said, “The Silver Line is an excellent example of bus rapid transit that’s done right—offering a convenient and reliable travel option for thousands of residents in the Grand Rapids area. This new service will cut commuting times nearly in half for many workers, students, and seniors.”
In his remarks, Dave McLaughlin, vice president and general sales manager for American Seating Company, which is headquartered in Grand Rapids, made the connection between public transportation investment and the local manufacturing economy.
FTA committed approximately $32 million toward the $40 million total project cost, including $19 million through its Capital Investment Grant Program and $13 million through its Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program. State funding covered the remaining capital cost. Operating funds come in part from a successful property tax referendum passed in 2011.
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On board the first Silver Line vehicle in Grand Rapids, from left: The Rapid Chief Executive Officer Peter Varga, board Chair Barb Holt, and FTA Acting Administrator Therese McMillan. |
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FTA Acting Administrator Therese McMillan and media representatives join the inaugural ride on the Silver Line.
Photo by Peter Varga, CEO, The Rapid |
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