Go!Bus - WKTV Journal

The Rapid’s new electric vehicles sport vibrant flower power designs (Courtesy, The Rapid)

By WKTV Staff

The Rapid is thrilled to share that they have added their first 12 fully electric vehicles to the Go!Bus ADA paratransit fleet.

The EVs help reduce public transportation’s carbon footprint in West Michigan (Courtesy, The Rapid)

The EVs mark another step forward in environmental sustainability, complementing The Rapid’s eco-friendly propane fleet and further reducing public transportation’s carbon footprint in West Michigan.

Distinctly vibrant

Each electric vehicle displays a groovy saying on the bottom right panel (Courtesy, The Rapid)

These distinctly vibrant vehicles hit the streets on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. Wrapped in a groovy 60s flower power theme, the design features bold, colorful patterns with nods to the future and sustainability, highlighting The Rapid’s commitment to a cleaner and greener community.

“Our decisions in vehicle propulsion and fuel type matter to The Rapid, our community and our future,” said Deb Prato, Rapid CEO. “Over 85% of our fixed route fleet runs on renewable natural gas, and the 12 new EVs show our ongoing commitment to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions in our service area.”

Fully electric vehicles bring numerous benefits to both riders and the community, including quieter operation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and lower maintenance costs. The new Go!Bus vehicles are part of The Rapid’s larger commitment to sustainable and innovative practices, aligning with the goals outlined in its Transit Master Plan.

Empowerment through transit

Go!Bus ADA paratransit empowers seniors and individuals with disabilities across the six cities, enabling them to access employment, healthcare, and meaningful social connections. In the 2024 fiscal year, The Rapid celebrated a remarkable 7% growth in ridership, delivering 228,320 rides.

Federal resources funded this milestone venture (Courtesy, The Rapid)

During a community survey, the transit system consistently received high ratings for “providing transportation options to people with special mobility needs,” (including seniors and individuals with disabilities). In the Spring 2024 survey, 91% of respondents found the service to be very or extremely valuable in this respect.

Milestone funding

This milestone was made possible by earmarked federal funding secured by former Congressman Peter Meijer. His efforts ensured federal resources were directed toward enhancing sustainable transportation options in the Grand Rapids area.

Are you 60 or older? Need a ride to a medical appointment or other local destination?

The Rapid’s Go!Bus Ticket Program offers a door-to-door transportation service for seniors age 65+ and persons with disabilities who cannot ride a fixed-route bus.

GO!Bus is a shared ride, advanced reservation, ADA paratransit service. GO!Bus riders share trips traveling in the same direction at the same time. Trips are scheduled without regard to the purpose of the trip. The Rapid also provides GO!Bus service to non-disabled seniors (NDS) aged 65 and older.

Non-disabled senior citizens must present proof of age (i.e., copy of driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.) with their completed application. To use the service due to disability, you must complete an ADA application AND ‘Professional Verification of Functional Disability’ form.

Once you’re approved, the GO!Bus provides service in the same area and at the same days and times as The Rapid fixed-route buses. Go!Bus is also available to companions of qualified riders, personal care attendants (PCAs) and service animals. To ensure there is a seat available for companions, be sure to notify GO!Bus that you will have someone accompanying you when you make your reservation. Read the Go!Bus rider’s guide here.

Reduced-price tickets for the Inter-urban Transit Partnership (ITP) Go!Bus service are available to Kent County residents who are approved Go!Bus riders, thanks to funding by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. If you are 60 or older, live in Kent County and are an approved Go!Bus rider, you may apply to purchase the discounted tickets at the Wyoming Senior Center. Please call the Wyoming Senior Center at 616.530.3190 or email mywsc@wyomingmi.gov. More info about Go!Bus here.