GVSU to host transit conference

More than 150 people are expected to attend the 2016 Public Transportation and Universities Conference in Grand Rapids to discuss the unique transportation needs of university communities.

Grand Valley State University and The Rapid are hosting the conference April 16-19 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. It will be attended by university and community transportation professionals and planners, as well as university officials, faculty and students.

Sessions will cover topics such as financing for transit services, marketing to students, sustainability, safety and security, parking policies, bike-share programs, on-demand ridership models and more. 

GVSU Transportation Services offers a variety of sustainable transportation options to students, faculty and staff members, who can ride any Rapid bus route for free.

In 1996, Grand Valley began running a shuttle between Grand Rapids and the Allendale Campus. In the 1996-1997 academic year, the bus program averaged 5,300 riders per month. In 2015, Grand Valley accounted for 2.8 million rides on The Rapid.

Chris Swank, manager of operations for Pew Campus Operations, said: “We are excited to welcome our transit colleagues to our hometown. This conference is an excellent opportunity for Grand Valley and The Rapid to showcase its unique partnership, as well as gain valuable insight from agencies around the country.”