Will BRT help spur development in Grand Rapids

[mjlo]

It's going on six months, i'm curious to know if the silver line has made a difference or is just going to be a boon doggle. From what i've researched about BRT, they have applied the title of it to the silver line with a fairly liberal definition. Does anyone know the initial performance of the line? Has it made a difference?

[magellan]

Originally Posted by mjlo

It's going on six months, i'm curious to know if the silver line has made a difference or is just going to be a boon doggle. From what i've researched about BRT, they have applied the title of it to the silver line with a fairly liberal definition. Does anyone know the initial performance of the line? Has it made a difference?

The only thing I've heard is that the park-n-ride lot at 60th is overflowing and they're looking at expanding it. Other than that, I haven't heard any ridership numbers. I think it's way too soon. Most new transit lines take a couple of years to draw riders.

I don't think you'll see any major infill near the bus stops. Even with the big permanent platform stations, at the end of the day it's still a bus. I think the new Laker Line will be better, personally. The Silver Line goes through some of the most poverty ridden areas of Kent County.

"Boondoggle" or not, it's there to stay. The FTA invested quite a bit of money into it.

[michigan83]

An interesting article today on the BRT, with a mostly positive spin:

Detroit transit may take cue from Grand Rapids

[Zenstyle]

Thanks for posting that link, michigan83. It's quite positive, although it's disheartening to think there are still some people who think bus riding is a frightening thing.