New partnership with the Rapid
Grand Rapids Community College is offering an exciting benefit for current students and employees: free access to The Rapid city bus service, including the Laker and Silver Lines, for the winter 2025 semester. Here’s what you need to know:
- Bus Pass Details:
- Free rides are available on all 28 of The Rapid’s routes.
- Students can request and pick up their Wave card bus passes as early as Jan. 2.
- Students can begin using their pass on the first day of their winter semester classes (Jan 6th).
- Employees are eligible to pick up anytime as long as the request has been made.
- Wave Card Process:
- Students must request a new Wave card each semester they are enrolled at GRCC.
- The free ride period covers the entire semester, from the first day of class to the last.
- GRCC employees have access to use bus pass until August 25th, 2025
How to ride the Rapid for free
Get started by submitting an online form requesting a Wave card.
- Student Wave card form - MyGRCC > Online Center > Student Home Page > Student Resources
- Employee Wave card form - MyGRCC > Online Center > Employee Self Service > Employee Forms
After submitting the form
After your request is made the page will display your eligibility date and first day to pick up your wave pass from GRCC's Center for Student Life & Leadership located in the Student Center at 122 Lyon St. NE in Grand Rapids. You’ll need to show identification such as a RaiderCard, driver’s license or passport to receive your Wave card. Once you have your card, you’ll scan it to board the bus free of charge.
You can learn about bus schedules, routes and more at ridetherapid.org.
Bus services options in-between semesters
The Center for Student Life & Leadership also sells reloadable "partner" Wave Cards! The initial cost is $2.00 and funds can be loaded as needed at our Center for Student Life & Leadership or at the Rapid's website. The partner cards provide riders a rate of $1.25 per ride.
This is a great option for students who may not be in classes and can help fill transportation needs if you are in between semesters or taking a gap in your education.
Lakeshore Bus Services – Holland MAX Transit
GRCC's Lakeshore Campus is located on Route 4. For more details on routes visit catchamax.org.
MAX Transit offers a semesterly discounted rate for students or those who qualify for the ADA program. (A valid student ID is required for proof and can be obtained in the main office.) MAX Transit operates both an hourly fixed bus route along with a reserve ride service. Each service has unique fares for qualifying individuals. If you have any questions on pricing, please contact the MAX Transit Customer Service team at (616) 355-1010.