The SilverLine

The SilverLine is the first BRT route in Grand Rapids, and the first in the state of Michigan. BRT differs from standard fixed-route lines by having level boarding platforms featuring pre-boarding payment and pass validation, snow melt, arrival and departure time displays, as well as emergency phones and surveylience. In operation the SilverLine buses have signal priority at intersection - the ability to hold a light green as they approach - as well as dedicated lanes during peak traffic periods.

The SilverLine began operation on August 23rd, 2014. During operating hours a minimum service frequency of 30 minutes is provided with peak service every 10 minutes.

Ridership

The SilverLine did not run for a complete month in August of 2014 so the number is not included in the ridership count. Initial weeks of SilverLine operation were free of charge; this free operation period was extended beyond the original intent due to a security related software issue found in the platform payment system. It is also worth noting that September and October numbers include ArtPrize riders.

News

• 2009-05
  • Rapid transit supporters concede millage request for Silver Line failed, MLIVE
• 2011-01
  • The Rapid bus system will ask voters in six cities for tax increase on May 3 ballot, MLIVE
• 2011-05
  • The Rapid millage increase approved by 136 votes, MLIVE
• 2013-04
  • After years of planning, bus rapid transit begins taking shape in Grand Rapids, MLIVE
  • How it works: bus rapid transit details, route map give glimpse of Grand Rapids' new system, MLIVE
  • Sequestration still a threat, but work continues on bus rapid transit in Grand Rapids, MLIVE
• 2013-03
  • Grand Rapids' new multi-million-dollar economic boon? The Silver Line BRT construction begins, RapidGrowth
• 2014-07
  • Silver Line buses: See Grand Rapids' newest, high-tech transportation fleet, MLIVE
  • When, where Silver Line bus will take over Division Avenue's right lanes, MLIVE
• 2014-08
  • First Silver Line buses begin service Monday: See official schedule for times, transfers, MLIVE
  • As Silver Line begins rolling, waiting game for potential economic boon begins, MLIVE
  • Striking gold with Silver Line? Grand Rapids bets $40 million on state's first bus rapid transit system, MLIVE
• 2014-09
  • Who’s riding the Rapid’s new Silver Line, FOX17
  • Grand Rapids’ Silver Line raises the rapid transit bar for Michigan, Michigan Municipal League
• 2014-11
  • Silver Line BRT in Grand Rapids Opens to Strong Ridership, MassTransit
• 2015-03
  • Rapid officials: Silver Line numbers are promising
    • "Route 1 on The Rapid, which runs along the Division corridor, has seen a decrease from 3,000 rides per week day to 2,000, but Silver Line ridership is outpacing that decrease with 2,200 riders per weekday, Bulthuis said. Overall ridership for the corridor is up more than a thousand rides per weekday at 4,200."
• 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
• 2016-03
  • Grand Rapids invests in first BRT in Michigan, ActiveTrans
    • "According to Crain’s Detroit, transit use on Division Ave. went up 44 percent during the Silver Line’s first few months of operation in 2014 compared to the previous year."

• 2016-04

  • Tower crane goes up for $42M downtown high-rise apartment project, MLIVE

    Developer Karl Chew said he chose the site because of its proximity to The Rapids' new Silver Line bus rapid transit route.
    

• 2016-08
  • Changes Coming to DASH Shuttle Service & Silver Line on Sept. 1, 2016, RAPID BLOG
  • Parking rate spike hits this week, Silver Line bus rides free, MLIVE
• 2016-09
  • This is the begining of the "Park Once" strategy where SilverLine rides north of Wealthy St are fare-less.

• 2018-05

  • After 4 years, development still slow along GR’s Silver Line bus route, MiBiz

    To Nick Monoyios, a planner with the Interurban Transit Partnership, colloquially known as The Rapid, the issue largely boils down to local stakeholders continuing to operate on their own and only now beginning to think about development of the region with a sense of intentionality. 
    

• 2019-02
  • City exploring lack of Silver Line development, GRBJ
    • TL/DR: The City Commission, five years after the launch of the Silver Line, and seven years after construction began have done nothing to adjust land-use policies in relation to the route.
• 2019-08
  • Plan lays out new vision for aging Grand Rapids corridor, MLIVE
    • The South Division Corridor Plan addresses the potential future land-use of 3 miles of the Silver Line's 9.6 mile route, between Wealthy St. & 28th St.
• 2020-11
  • The South Division Corridor Plan - PDF - is adopted by the Grand Rapids City Commission on 2020-11-14.