The Selection Process

The Rapid has worked closely with local jurisdictions on strategies to address mobility improvements, economic development, traffic congestion, and environmental concerns. The Great Transit Grand Tomorrows (GT2) Study has been an important step towards achieving these goals by exploring and developing choices for the future of public transportation in the Greater Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area. This study was a cooperative effort supported by and funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Wege Foundation, and Urban Cooperation Board.

A full range of model options were initially identified for the GT2 Study, including buses, streetcar, light rail, diesel multiple units, commuter rail, monorail, heavy rail, MAGLEV, and personal rapid transit. In addition, 10 corridors and multiple alignments were formulated throughout the study area. With established evaluation criteria, technical analysis, and public input, the alternatives were narrowed down through a “tiered” process.

A bus rapid transit (BRT) mode in the south corridor (Division Avenue) was selected as the locally preferred alternative for the GT2 Study and adopted by The Rapid Board of Directors on January 2007 and included in the Grand Valley Metro Council’s Long Range Transportation Plan in April 2007.

The South Corridor is approximately 10 miles long, stretching from downtown Grand Rapids south to about 76 Street and US-131. In addition to Grand Rapids, the corridor also contains the cities if Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as Byron and Gaines Townships. US-131, Division Avenue, and the Norfolk Southern Railroad run north to south in the corridor. Major arterials running east to west include 28th, 36th, 44th, 54th, 68th, and 76th Streets and the South Beltline, M-6.