A new partnership between Grand Rapids Community College and The Rapid will provide both students and staff with free bus transportation starting Monday, August 26.
For a student to be eligible, they must be attending school in the current semester and have a valid Wave card. To obtain a Wave card, students can submit an online form available in the Student Resources section of the GRCC Online Center.
Once their application has been processed, students will be notified when they can pick up their Wave card from the Student Life office with a valid ID, such as a RaiderCard or driver’s license.
The application process is the same for employees. Wave cards for employees are valid for up to 12 months, while students must renew their cards every semester.
Currently, The Rapid has 28 bus routes serving 185 square miles of Grand Rapids and its surrounding suburbs.
GRCC President Charles Lepper recently expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative. Press releaseand explained that he sees this as a meaningful way to make education more accessible, leading to a more successful community.
“We recognize that many of our students struggle to access essentials such as food, shelter and transportation. Free access to The Rapid is an important step toward equality and removing barriers to education,” said Lepper.
To find the bus stop nearest to you, visit this map.
