Nearly 80 people gathered on Grand Valley's Pew Grand Rapids Campus August 24 to celebrate the opening of the new Laker Line.
A ceremony was held at the Pew Station on Fulton Street to mark the official launch of the Laker Line and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the formalized partnership between Grand Valley and The Rapid.
The new service, which replaces Route 50, connects the Allendale Campus to downtown Grand Rapids, with 20 stops along the way, including the Pew Grand Rapids Campus and the Health Campus on the Medical Mile.
Greg Sanial, vice president for Finance and Administration, said the Laker Line was more than seven years in the making.
"We appreciate the efforts and cooperation of all those who helped make this possible," said Sanial. "With more than 2 million rides per year, the Laker Line is essential to the Grand Valley community and will improve the quality of life for our students."
The Laker Line includes articulated 60-foot-long buses with dual boarding and wider doors for quicker boarding and will hold 50 percent more riders. Bus stations include seats, shelters snowmelt and raised platforms so riders don't have to step up to get on the bus. Enhancements also include traffic signal priority technology that will allow buses to flow through traffic more efficiently.
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, thanked Grand Valley and other partners for continuing to tell the story of why the Laker Line makes sense for West Michigan.
"This benefits Grand Valley students and the community, but also our future," said Huizenga. "This is an investment in our community because we know students graduate and choose to make their lives here."
Stephen Kepley, chair of the Rapid Board and mayor of Kentwood, said he recognized the need for enhanced bus service when his daughter attended Grand Valley.
"The collaboration for the new Laker Line is a testament to how we do things in West Michigan," said Kepley. "It offers enhanced mobility and connection for an entire area."
Chris Swank, manager for Facilities Services - Grand Rapids and Regional Center at Grand Valley, said providing more than 2 million rides a year has just become more efficient with the implementation of the second bus rapid transit in West Michigan. "It’s been a long road and it's great to see it up and running on its first day of service. What a wonderful way to start the 20th year of partnership with The Rapid," said Swank.
A federal grant paid for nearly 80 percent of the $71 million project. The remaining 20 percent was covered by a local match and the Michigan Department of Transportation. Grand Valley will pay for operation of the Laker Line as a part of its existing 10-year contract with The Rapid.
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