Grand Rapids Community College is looking into partnering with the Rapid to provide free transportation to faculty, staff and students come the fall 2024 semester. This project will allow anyone who has a valid RaiderCard to ride The Rapid anywhere in the Grand Rapids area.
“If we move forward with this partnership, a student will be able to get on any Rapid bus on any Rapid line with their valid per-semester card and ride without cost, regardless of where they are going,” said GRCC’s Vice President for Finance and Administration Lisa Frieburger when asked about the partnership.
Friebruger announced this decision as part of the college’s 2024-2025 Comprehensive Budget Package during a budget work session with the board of trustees on May 6.
Projected to be around $172,00, this is just one of the many projects that GRCC is starting due to an increase in the college’s revenue from higher enrollment and increased property taxes.
GRCC student Sydney Mone, 20, said it would be beneficial if passed.
“That would be great because currently I’m car searching and it’s pretty much my only way to the school right now,” said Mone.
While Freiburger has been talking with The Rapid about this partnership, negotiations on an official contract will not start until the board votes on the budget. This project will be finalized if the board approves the comprehensive package during their June 10 meeting.
Collegiate editor Bryson Adkins contributed to this report.
