By Shy’Ana Thomas
With the recent announcement that Grand Rapids Community College partnered with The Rapid, students can now receive free Wave Cards for bus rides around Grand Rapids and the surrounding area at zero cost. There are a lot of people who may be slightly afraid of taking the bus and could miss out on this helpful resource so The Collegiate has compiled some helpful things to know when taking the bus. The thought of going out into the city and commuting on public transportation can be nerve-wracking, but these tips can make bus riding easier.
First, the day before taking the bus you should go on any of the map apps, such as Google maps, Apple maps or an app that’s created just for bus information called Transit. Once you get one of those apps, put in your starting location and destination.
The app will give you different options of buses to take and where your stop is located. You’ll also know the time of departure, if the bus is going to be on time or delayed, the direction the stop is going to be in NorthBound, SouthBound, etc, how long it’s going to take to walk to the stop and the destination. Pick stops and drop offs that take the least amount of time and lastly if there is going to be another bus that’s coming that way. Knowing that little bit of information already can give you the foundation.
Lots of bus stops are available early and you’re going to want to make sure you’re making it to your class on time. So if your class starts at 9 a.m. you should look for a bus that comes around 7:45 a.m. It’s best to be on a bus a little early since the ride isn’t straight through and others have to be picked up.
Also, buses run at a certain time of the day. Some run every 15-20 minutes in the morning and afternoon but then every 30-60 minutes in the evening. Others run every 30-59 minutes the whole day.
Another thing you will see while waiting for the bus is a sign of the stops that come after you and the way to the Rapid Central Station at the end. You will also see the time of when the buses start running and when they stop, in addition to which direction the bus is traveling. Across from your stop, there will be another stop for people going the opposite direction, which will be the stop you will get off at to go home.
Now, onto the part that scares people when riding the bus for the first time: you’re at the stop and your bus finally comes. When stepping onto the bus you say “Hello” to the bus driver and then tap your Wave Card or insert $1.75 (if you forgot your Wave Card). Then you will see all the seats that could either be filled with a bunch of people or be empty. Something you shouldn’t do if there are one or two people on the bus is sit next to them when there are many empty seats. Instead, pick a spot that is right for you and sit, you could even put your bag in the next seat. Collegiate copy editor Jamie Miller recommends the very back middle seat, or the strategic seat. It gives you a clear view of everything and if the bus driver hits the brakes too hard you can put your feet on the metal bars to brace yourself.
Looking around the bus you will see a camera in the front and back for safety reasons. You will also hear a generated voice that lets you know that a stop has been requested or what street is coming up on that route. While on the bus, Miller recommends students bring earbuds and sunglasses.
I know you’re wondering “How do I request a stop?” don’t worry, because it’s easy. Above and on the side of the windows is a wire you pull that lets the driver know that someone needs to get off at the following stop. The Rapid doesn’t stop at every stop, so if no one is there or requesting, you have to know where you’re going and pay attention. The exception to this is the Silverline (SL) bus that will stop at every stop.
Sometimes when taking the bus to get to your destination you will either go straight through or have to take a few buses. The max is usually two buses but sometimes you might have to take three. It can sometimes be confusing so you could also go straight to the station which is always the last stop of the ride. While at the station, you are going to see lots of people and a lot of buses. It’s going to be easy to find the bus you have to get on because above their spot there’s a circle board with their route number and also one in front. You can even ask the driver if you’re on the right bus to get to your destination and they can guide you. You will most likely have to come to the station to get back on your bus or stand on the opposite side of the stop and get on the already running bus. But even if you get on the wrong bus, you will always get taken back to the station at the end of every ride. When getting off, make sure you thank the driver just to let them know that you appreciate the service.
Once you get into the routine of doing this, it will become second nature. It may seem hard but actually doing it is easy and you will also see so many of your peers along the way. This information is meant to help and guide people who want to ride the bus and show them it isn’t hard. So go to the GRCC Online Center, request a bus pass in student resources, select which semester you will need it for, then go to the Student Life office and pick up that Wave Card and get the experience.
Collegiate copy editor Jamie Miller contributed to this story.
