The LakerLine

The LakerLine is east-west BRT route initially servicing the GVSU Allendale campus and downtown Grand Rapids with an anticipated eastern extension up the Michigan St corridor to Plymouth Ave. No timeline for such an extension exists.

The Laker Line has more potential transfers to other routes than any other service in the network. It is possible to transfer to 12 other routes from Laker Line stations: 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 37, 48, 85, Silverline, and DASH (Clockwise & Counter Clockwise) [as of 2023-12].

The Laker Line operates principally as a service of Grand Valley State University; a consequence of this is a frustratingly erratic schedule, inhibiting its function as a true transit corridor. The schedule flips between "regular" schedule when the university is in semester and "holiday" and "break" schedules when the university is closed or not in full session. Potential users need to check gvsu.edu/bus to verify the status of the service. The "BREAK / HOLIDAYS" page at that site contains a list of dates the service is on "break" or "holiday" schedules.

When

Proposed in 2015, operation began August 24th, 2020.

News

• 2013-04: $600K study into bus rapid transit line between GVSU, Grand Rapids gets officials' approval, MLIVE
• 2013-11
  • The Rapid's 'Laker Line' solicits feedback for bus rapid transit system between GVSU, Grand Rapids, MLIVE
  • 'Laker Line' study will explore options to meet transportation demand between G.R. and GVSU, WZZM
• 2014-05: The Rapid looks down the road to Laker Line, GRBJ
• 2014-09: Street Talk: Is this a transit town? Let's hear the stories
• 2014-10
  • Second Grand Rapids BRT route is in motion, GRBJ
  • ArtPrize display highlights proposed Laker Line, WZZM
    • Beware noisy auto-play video.
  • The Laker Line Study Rolls Out The Future Of Route 50, The RAPID
  • Laker Line: $45.5M bus rapid transit proposal hopes to roll in 2018
• 2015-04
  • 12-minute bus ride downtown from new Grand Rapids parking lot, MLIVE
• 2015-06
  • Laker Line bus rapid transit gets green light to apply for federal funds, MLIVE
  • Newest Laker Line cost estimate 41 percent higher than 2014 projection, MLIVE
    • "Factors not included in last fall's projection — including a light maintenance facility, land acquisitions, a new roadway on the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University to better handle bus traffic, among other elements — now are included in this latest estimate, The Rapid CEO Peter Varga said."
    • "Roughly $4.8 million is projected for each mile for Laker Line's 13.1-mile length, compared to Silver Line's cost at $4.1 million a mile for 9.6 miles, according to The Rapid's budget."
• 2015-10
  • Grand Rapids, Lansing officials optimistic about bus rapid transit, MiBiz
• 2015-12
  • The Rapid reports increased services, success for Silver Line, Rapidian, 2015-12
• 2016-02
  • $57M federal grant could fund Michigan's second bus rapid transit system, MLIVE
  • U.S. Transportation Secretary Announces $57 Million for Laker Line Bus Rapid Transit Project, Ride The RAPID
  • Laker Line funding in federal budget proposal, WOODTV8
  • Transit project receives $57M boost, GRBJ
• 2016-04
  • Rapid looks to speed up GVSU stops with Laker Line, WOODTV8
• 2016-05
  • Bus riders have their say on Laker Line design, Rapidian
• 2016-08
  • Gridlock Ahead? Proposed West Michigan BRT route to GVSU faces uncertainty over funding
• 2018-01
  • Laker Line Update: Awaiting Federal Funding, RAPID BLOG
• 2018-02
  • Laker Line funding gets federal go-ahead, MLIVE
  • The Rapid secures federal funding for Laker Line, MiBiz
  • Federal Funding Secured for the Laker Line, RAPID BLOG
• 2019-06
  • The Rapid unveils Laker Line, GRBJ
• 2020-02
  • Laker Line to launch in August, GRBJ
• 2020-08
  • The Rapid launches $72.8M Laker Line between Grand Rapids, GVSU, MLIVE via MSN
  • The Rapid adds second route to Laker Line for GVSU students, faculty
• 2022-11
  • Lake Michigan Drive construction site to become part of public transportation system, MLIVE