GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- City commissioners have come up with a plan they think will reduce traffic congestion and free up more parking spaces near the Medical Mile.
They've approved a partnership with the Rapid bus service and Spectrum Health. Starting August 27, riders on Route 19 won't have to pay a fare. That route goes by the hospitals.
"This is a great example of a creative public-private partnership that helps Grand Rapids move closer to being a more sustainable, safe and prosperous city by providing a full range of attractive transportation options and offering incentives to change travel behaviors," Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said in a release.
Service will expand from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and a bus will show up at stops every 10 minutes during peak hours. They will show up every 15 minutes during non-peak hours.
City leaders hope ridership on Route 19 will increase from 54 passengers daily to about 800.
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Matt Gard is the Senior Producer of 13 ON YOUR SIDE Mornings. If you have a story idea, you can contact him on Twitter, @mgard_wzzm13 or by e-mail, MattGard@wzzm13.com.