Service Information

DR
Demand Response

TheRapid GO!Bus

TheRapid
Hours of Operation

GO!Bus is TheRapid’s paratransit service for those unable to access TheRapid Fixed Route Service. Service is available during the same hours and days as fixed-route service. If published scheduled time points for fixed-route changes, the GO!Bus times will change as well.

Weekdays: The first weekday pick-up may be scheduled as early as 5 a.m. All weekday trips must be completed no later than 11 p.m.

Saturdays: On Saturdays, a trip can be scheduled as early as 5:13 a.m. All Saturday trips must be completed no later than 10:10 p.m.

Sundays: On Sunday, a trip can be scheduled as early as 7 a.m. All Sunday trips must be completed no later than 7:20 p.m.

Grand Valley State University Go!Bus route times are consistent with the hours of fixed-route service and change according to the University’s schedule. Please refer to the specific schedules found on the route pages to find hours of operation.

Method/Rules for Scheduling a Ride

Once you are eligible to ride GO!Bus, make a reservation for your ride by calling 616-456-6141.

Call at least one day in advance (by 4:30 p.m.) and no more than 14 days in advance.

Scheduling Hours:

  • Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Note: The office is open until 5 p.m. for inquiries and checking on trips.

Information You Need When You Call:

  • Passenger’s name
  • The date service is needed
  • Requested pick-up time or appointment time
  • Requested return time if necessary
  • Pick-up address
  • Destination address and company name if applicable
  • Whether passenger uses a wheelchair
  • Any special-assistance needs
  • Whether a companion, PCA, or service animal will be traveling with the passenger

Standing/recurring reservations are accepted

Visit the GO!Bus Reservations page for more details and information

More Important Details

Operating Area

Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas. See the GO!Bus Service Area Map for more information

Fares

Standard Fare
  • ADA-eligible individuals with disabilities: $3.50
  • Companion for ADA eligible individuals with disabilities: $3.50
  • Non-disabled individuals over age 65: $8.00
  • Companion for non-disabled individuals over age 65: $8.00
  • A personal care attendant (PCA) may travel with an ADA-eligible passenger at no charge.
  • Service animals may ride with passengers at no cost.

Go!Bus Tickets are available for purchase online by clicking here.


Reduced Fare

This service is a paratransit service only for individuals with disabilities and seniors. Therefore, there is no reduced fare for this service. See Standard Fare for details.


Accessibility & Eligibility

Paratransit/Reduced Fare Eligibility

The GO!Bus is TheRapid’s designated paratransit service for individuals with disabilities or seniors who cannot access/use TheRapid fixed route service.

To apply for eligibility for GO!Bus service, a 2-part application must be submitted.

Both portions of the Professional Verification of Functional Disability form (the applicant’s portion and the professional verification) must be received by The Rapid before the ADA eligibility review process begins. An online form must also be completed by you or your support person and submitted online.

  • Click here for Professional Verification Application
  • Click here for Applicant Online Verification

The Professional Verification form must be filled out by a licensed social worker, psychologist, nurse, physician, or rehabilitation specialist who is familiar with your disability. They can print out and mail the completed professional verification to:

Paratransit, ADA, and Mobility Services
300 Ellsworth AVE SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4005

Or scan and email to gro.diparehtedir@SPPAADA (please make sure the entire form is visible fit to page).

If you cannot apply online, or if you are applying for the over-age-65 rate, you can get application forms by calling the GO!Bus office at 616-456-6141, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.


Transit Service Accessibility

GO!Bus is a shared ride, advanced reservation, ADA paratransit service intended to provide a comparable level of transportation to that which is provided by a The Rapid fixed-route bus. Service is door-to-door and all vehicles are wheelchair lift equipped.


Additional Notes

If you need curb-to-curb service but live more than one-third of a mile from a fixed route bus line, see Passenger Adaptive Suburban Service (PASS) offered by TheRapid.


Provider Information

TheRapid

Major Public Transit Agency

County: Kent County

Phone 616-776-1100
Website Visit Web Link
Additional Contact Information
Rapid Central Station
250 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Learn More

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