Shelter me

The concrete pads are in place in preparation for three new bus shelters on the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University and one new shelter at the Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids.

Its nice to see this happen. Its something that many people have asked for, says Project Manager Ray Vanden Berg. The building of the bus shelters will mean changes to some current stops. The Mackinac Hall bus stop will move south to the Mackinac/Manitou crossing. Vanden Berg says this will help eliminate traffic and pedestrian congestion at the current location, the intersection of Campus Drive and Residence Drive.

In Allendale, two 15 foot bus shelters will be constructed near the Kirkhof Center. Two 12 foot shelters will be on the east side of the Mackinac/Manitou Hall crossing, with one 15 foot shelter on the west side. In Grand Rapids, two 15 foot shelters will be built at the Pew campus on the south side of Fulton St. where it passes under US 131.

The bus shelters are being furnished by The Rapid bus service through a joint venture with the university. Ridership on The Rapid campus connector continues to grow. A survey of students in December of 2001 showed 90% rate the service as good or excellent. Students said they choose the bus because its economical and convenient.

Vanden Berg expects the project to be finished by the end of December.