DASH the Downtown Area Shuttle
The Downtown Area Shuttle, or DASH, is a system of small buses connecting key downtown Grand Rapids locations and parking lots. DASH is free to ride and provides residents, workers and visitors convenient connections to all parts of the core of downtown Grand Rapids. This service is made possible by the City of Grand Rapids and operated by The Rapid.
New DASH Circulator - as of May 10, 2023
Free DASH routes run every 15 minutes from Wednesday through Sunday. Staff hopes to bring the 7-day-a-week service back to the DASH as soon as possible.
Wednesday - Friday
7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Saturday
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Sunday
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The new DASH loop will run in both directions. That means you can ride it both clockwise and counterclockwise. This allows you to always take the shortest route to your destination.
The DASH will continue to serve the same core destinations as DASH West and DASH North on the days it operates (Wednesday through Sunday). New DASH destinations include a Bridge Street stop that connects much of downtown to a grocery store, a Grand Rapids Public Library stop, and Leonard Street stops that connects a new business and residential district to the downtown area.
Learn more about DASH here.
Why is the DASH changing?
The DASH West and DASH North routes are being consolidated into a single circulator to better serve visitors, residents and those getting around downtown.
When can I take the new DASH?
The new DASH service launches on Monday, May 8th, 2023. The DASH circulator will operate every 15 minutes Wednesday-Friday 7am-12:00am, Saturday 11am-1am, and Sunday 11am-5pm
Why isn't there Monday and Tuesday service?
With a limited capacity to expand the total level of service and bearing in mind the DASH service’s continued evolution beyond a commuter service, the city chose to prioritize late night and Sunday service to meet the needs of those visiting and moving about around downtown. Staff hopes to bring 7-day-a-week service back to the DASH as soon as possible.
When will service switch over?
The last day of DASH West and DASH North service will be Saturday, May 6th. The DASH circulator will launch on Wednesday, May 10th.
What if I currently park in a DASH lot to take the bus to work or school?
The DASH will continue to serve the same core destinations as Dash West and DASH North on the days it operates (Wednesday-Sunday). DASH lot users will also have access to a commuter shuttle during this transition which will be accessible from the Area 7 and Area 9 parking lots.
WORK is a transitional service for former DASH West lot users to connect with downtown. Starting May 8th, it will be available Monday-Friday, 6:30am-9:30am and 3:30pm-6:30pm The service will pick up at Area 7 and Area 9 and drop off at the intersection of Ottawa and Pearl every 15 minutes.
