GRAND RAPIDS, Mich– The City of Grand Rapids is launching new downtown parking rates and expanded no-fare shuttle services.
Grand Rapids Mobile GR and Parking Department kicked off their new education campaign on Monday to inform Grand Rapidians how the city is working to modernize public parking and transit systems. The goal is to improve automobile traffic while additionally making it easier for pedestrians, bicycles and other kinds of transit.
This campaign was started by a recent Mobile GR & Parking Department survey which will offer two new and free mobile apps titled GR Park and myStop Mobile. The apps allow citizens and guests alike to download the app and instantly navigate downtown travel and parking.
According to the City of Grand Rapids, the following parking rate changes will go into effect starting September 1:
- Revised parking rates that will apply to some motorists who pay monthly, short-term and daily fees.
- Hourly meter rates for all on-street parking will increase depending on location. Those who previously paid 50 cents to park at a meter will now pay $1; those who previously paid 75 cents at a meter will now pay $1; and those who previously paid $1.25 at a meter will now pay $1.50.
- New prices for special event parking that will be charged after 5:00p.m.
In addition to the parking changes, Grand Rapids and Mobile GR are also teaming up with The Rapid and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. to create a “Park Once” district. The “Park Once” district allows drivers to park once and travel downtown with free public transportation. These services will include the beginning of free full-time DASH services, and a Silver Line service, also starting on September 1.
DASH will be added downtown to compliment the Rapid public transit network. There is no fare for DASH, and it will run on weekdays not including holidays. The existing four DASH routes in the city will now be two routes- DASH West and DASH North. All free DASH shuttles will be in walking distance of city parking facilities. They will run from 6:30a.m. to 10p.m. during the week.
The Grand Rapids bus transit Silver Line will also run all day long during the week, free of charge, from North of Wealthy St. and all around downtown Grand Rapids.
All services have been added due to the growth and development of Grand Rapids with the additional hopes that parking will be easier and will relieve congestion downtown. For more details, click here for downtown Grand Rapids parking services.
