The Rapid
Ride the Rapid
The Rapid is the public transportation system serving the Grand Rapids metro area and beyond by operating fixed-route and demand-response services, as well as car and vanpooling programs.
The Rapid has been recognized as a leader in the transit industry in enhancing public transportation’s role in sustainability. Rapid Central Station was the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified transit facility in the country. Some of the green features of this facility are a green roof, storm water collection, terrazzo flooring made of recycled glass, and low-emitting materials to improve indoor air quality. The Rapid’s Operation Center is also LEED Gold certified with similar features.
The Rapid’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond facilities to the vehicles we use to serve the community. The fixed-route bus fleet features hybrid-electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The GO!Bus paratransit buses are also fueled by propane which is cleaner burning than diesel.
Public transportation as a whole is a smart and environmentally sustainable community asset. For every passenger mile traveled, public transportation produces only a fraction of the harmful pollution of private vehicles; only 5 percent as much carbon monoxide, less than 8 percent as many volatile organic compounds, and nearly half as much carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Public transportation is also reducing emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) by nearly 745,000 tons annually.
To further its commitment to the environment, The Rapid partners with the West Michigan Clean Air Coalition to offer free bus rides on Clean Air Action days.
Contact
The Rapid
300 Ellsworth Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Representative
Michael Bulthuis
Manager – Marketing & Communications
mbulthuis@ridetherapid.org
616.456.7514