GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- Drivers for The Rapid in Grand Rapids drive roughly 5 million miles a year and travel around to six different West Michigan cities. Riders say on an average day, the drivers the buses share the roads with can be disrespectful and it really gets interesting when wintry weather is thrown into the mix. FoX 17 rode along to get some perspective. Fortunately, road crews were doing a great job of clearing away the heavy snow.
Stephen Durst is a frequent rider and had this to say about motorists. “Oh they are inconsiderate all of the time, but the bus drivers are very competent. I’ve only ever been in two bus accidents and usually it was because the car drivers fault.” Stephen Durst said.
Especially when it’s snowy and roads are slippery, it would be helpful for people to remember that buses can not stop an a dime, The Rapid spokesperson Jennifer Kalczuk said. People who think they want to run in front of the bus, also need to realize that stopping can be challenging.
On an extremely snowy day, ridership can be two fold, Kalczuk explained. Sometimes they are very busy because people don’t want to mess with driving or they can be less busy because the unnecessary errands get put on hold.
