With operations in full swing, the Silver Line in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is gaining momentum. The state’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) system, which was designed by CDM Smith and began service on Aug. 25, drew an average of 2,500 riders per day during its first week. Through the end of September, weekday ridership held steady and weekends brought a strong average of roughly 1,300 riders.
The Aug. 25 grand opening at Rapid Central Station was the culmination of a decade of planning by the Interurban Transit Partnership (The Rapid), and the importance of local, state and federal support and coordination to the project’s success was evidenced by the attendees. Federal Transit Administration Acting Administrator Therese McMillan keynoted the ceremony and was joined by Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle, The Rapid CEO Peter Varga and Grand Rapids Mayor George Hartwell.
Reflecting on the project, Varga said, “The Silver Line has been in the works for more than 10 years. Throughout that time, we’ve stayed focused on keeping the project moving forward and it was a great day to see it finally in operation. We’ve had a strong opening and are excited to see the growth over the coming months and years.”
The $40 million, 9.6-mile BRT system connects downtown Grand Rapids and the city’s Medical Mile with adjacent cities Wyoming and Kentwood via Division Avenue. Along with offering a more efficient way to travel, the Silver Line brings optimism that economic growth will spread along its route, from downtown to the south.
CDM Smith provided final design and construction assistance for the Silver Line, which features green and silver branded buses, pre-paid boarding, and high-quality, stainless steel bus shelters with real-time arrival signage and lighting, level boarding, and snowmelt systems underneath station platforms. Other project members included Isaac V. Norris & Associates (architect); URS (landscape architecture); Clifton, Weiss & Associates (fiber optics); and Williams & Works (survey).
