Other Improvements

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Several major proposed parks and non-motorized facilities are proposed within the Study Area (Figure 5.3.1).  These have the potential of becoming major traffic generators, depending on how they are developed.  Traffic can be impacted by things like the size of campgrounds, boat launches, shelter houses, an outdoor amphitheater, connectivity to other non-motorized trails, etc.

The major proposed non-motorized facility is part of the Ottawa County Park Departments proposed Grand River Greenway concept. The Grand River Greenway concept includes a chain of parks along the Grand River connected by a non-motorized trail stretching from Grand Haven State Park on Lake Michigan to Kent Trails in Johnson Park, which then runs to John Ball Park in Grand Rapids.

Much of the Study Area is suburban or rural and does not currently have a fixed route public transit service.  Public transit providers within the study area include Interurban Transit Partnership (ITP) and Amtrak.  A number of limited transit services are available throughout the study area, as well as taxi services. Table 5.2.1 summarizes the available transit services (public and private) within the study area.

 

Public Transit Providers:

	Amtrak
	Amtrak provides rail transit between Grand Rapids, Holland, and Chicago.  There are no station stops serving the communities in the Study Area.  In the future, a link from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo may be added to access a proposed high-speed rail line between Chicago and Detroit.
	Interurban Transit Partnership (ITP/GRATA)
	Interurban Transit Partnership, formerly Grand Rapids Area Transit Authority (GRATA), provides a fixed route public bus service through much of the urban Grand Rapids Area.  Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has contracted with ITP/GRATA to continue daily express bus service between its Allendale and downtown Grand Rapids campuses.  ITP also provides service to the Rivertown Crossings Mall.
	Go!Bus
	Go!Bus is a division of ITP and provides transportation to individuals over 65 or with disabilities who are unable to ride ITP’s other buses.

 

Private Specialized Transit Providers: 

	American Cancer Society
	The American Cancer Society provides free transportation to cancer related medical appointments.
	American Red Cross
	This service provides free transportation to medical appointments for low-income, over 65, or disabled individuals.
	Georgetown Seniors
	Georgetown Seniors provides transportation to individuals over 55 or with a disability.
	Greyhound
	Greyhound provides long-distance bus transit from a station in downtown Grand Rapids.
	Hope Network
	Hope Network provides transportation to individuals with a disability.
	Life Services Systems
	Life Services Systems provides transportation through two programs.  They provide free transportation through Ottawa County FIA for eligible low-income mothers (to work) and their children (to day care).  They also provide transportation for disabled individuals.  Ottawa County Human Services provides funding for some disabled individuals, while others pay a small fee.
	Love INC
	Love INC is an all-volunteer organization that provides free transportation to mobility disadvantaged individuals.
	Mommy Drives
	Mommy Drives provides medical-related transportation.

 

Other forms of transit, such as park & ride lots, may need to be expanded or created as the area develops.  Those areas that should be watched for possible improvements include:

• I-196/32^nd Avenue interchange area

• South Beltline (M-6)/8^th Avenue interchange area, and

• I-96/68^th Avenue interchange area

Very little support for increased public transit, such as expanding or adding fixed route buses (ITP/GRATA), an additional Amtrak station, or light rail was heard during the meetings, interviews and/or comments from this Study.  Based on the feedback received, continued funding of private transit providers and possible park & ride lot expansion or creation is recommended at this time.  Expansion or addition to existing public services is not recommended at this time.  However, support for public transit should be re-evaluated in the future.