Get from Grand Rapids to Allendale and back again, with multiple convenient stops along the way. In addition to the route between GVSU campuses, the Laker Line connects with the Silver Line in Downtown Grand Rapids to create a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Network.
You don’t have to be a Laker to ride like one
Anyone can ride the Laker Line! GVSU students, faculty, and staff ride for free, and just need to have their university ID on-hand. If you aren’t affiliated with GVSU, all you need is valid fare. For faster boarding, each Laker Line station is equipped with a ticket vending machine (TVM) for purchasing and reloading your Wave card.
The Rapid takes fare evasion seriously. Learn more about fare evasion and fines.
A better experience, even before you board
Our robust covered stations are fully appointed with real-time arrival info, emergency phones, bike racks, security cameras, and even snowmelt for those wintery days. Once the bus arrives, level platforms and precise bus docking creates boarding that’s faster and safer. Just pick door number 1, 2, or 3 and walk aboard.
Top-class efficiency
The Laker Line operates like a train, at 1/10 of the cost to build. The longer, compressed, natural-gas vehicles lower operating costs—and your environmental footprint. Also, traffic signal priority allows our buses to catch more green lights to reduce travel time, so there’s less stopping and going.
A connected commute
Need to work, study, or just unwind with some entertainment? The Laker Line is equipped with Wi-Fi on all buses. Grab a screen and go for it. We’ll handle the driving.
Laker Line Park and Ride Lot
The Rapid offers a 121-space Park and Ride lot conveniently located at 4211 Lake Michigan Drive next to the Laker Line’s Cummings Avenue Station. The Rapid’s customers can park for free and board the Laker Line, offering an affordable alternative to monthly paid parking. People can use the parking lot and then travel on the Laker Line to destinations in downtown Grand Rapids and Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I’m not a GVSU student, faculty, or staff member, where can I purchase my fare?
Before boarding, just tap your Wave card at the reader located at the Laker Line station to validate your fare. If you don’t have a Wave card, you can purchase one from the ticket vending machines located at all Laker Line stations. Wave cards are also available for purchase online, at Rapid Central Station, or at a retail location.
Can I pay my fare on the Laker Line with cash?
Yes, you can use cash or card at the ticket vending machine to purchase your fare. Since Laker Line buses do not have fareboxes on board, you’re required you to pay at the station before boarding.
How do I alert the bus operator for my stop?
The Laker Line stops at all stations along its route. There’s no need to alert your bus operator! And since our buses are appointed with on-board digital signage, you’ll always have a sense of exactly where you are.
