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Laker Line begins service in Grand Rapids on Monday

Posted at 9:57 PM, Aug 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-21 21:57:52-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Laker Line will open for service to GVSU students, staff and the general public Monday.

It’s Michigan’s second bus rapid transit line and cost $72.8 million, much of which was funded through competitive grants that The Rapid won.

“The Laker Line project is an energizing example of the collaborative spirit of West Michigan,” said Nick Monoyios, planning manager and Laker Line project manager at The Rapid. “Through planning, development and construction, the seven-year partnership between federal, state and local agencies has successfully made Michigan’s second BRT a reality.”

Bus rapid transit is an express service with features like traffic signal priority, signal priority, level boarding for wheelchairs or mobility devices, fare payment prior to boarding, real-time arrival displays and limited stops at enhanced stations.

The buses themselves have on-board WiFi, USB charging ports on all seats and internal display screens for service messages.