American Seating is unique in its ability to discuss the benefits of good public transportation. On one hand, few companies are as dependent on the success of public transportation as American Seating. An industry leader in seating for public transportation, the demand for their products directly maintains manufacturing jobs in our area. In fact, over 500 jobs at the company’s west side Grand Rapids facility are connected to the industry.

Those jobs stayed where they are partially because of the industry American Seating serves. Fifteen years, when moving or improving their existing property were both viable options, leadership identified over 200 people that walked or rode the bus. It became one of the key factors to stay. It was an investment in local jobs and economic growth.

“We’re an urban company. That’s the decision we made.”

Clark sees more more good news. “More people are going to be realizing the benefits of using mass transit to get to and from work, to and from shopping. I think it bodes well for any city the size of Grand Rapids to have a good infrastructure of mass transit so we can attract business to the area.”

Rodney Martin, Attorney/Principal; Warner, Norcross & Judd

As a successful banking attorney and diversity partner for Warner, Norcross & Judd; Rodney Martin doesn’t have to rely on public transportation. Rather, he has chosen public transportation as a tool he uses periodically. And he’s not a lone. Numerous other individuals in the firm’s 300-person Grand Rapids workforce use The Rapid on any given day for reliable transportation.

For Martin, he has embraced a number of benefits to having a public transportation system in greater Grand Rapids. While he has transportation choices, he appreciates the benefits it offers individuals getting who need a reliable service. He also appreciates converting a commitment to sustainability into action. His neighbors have taken notice of his practice.

“It’s a good view of what Grand Rapids is all about.”

What may be interesting is social and personal benefits that Martin has recognized in his years using The Rapid and other transit services around the country. It gives him a peaceful start to his day – complete with a cup of coffee before he leaves, a nice walk down to the stop with frequent stop times, a relaxing ride, time to read the paper or listen to the radio – and not have to worry about driving.

Martin’s commitment to public transportation isn’t unique. He sees people of all walks of life. In fact, in his words, “It’s a good view of what Grand Rapids is all about.”

Pete Brand, Principal, Mindscape/Hanon McKendry

As founder of Mindscape at Hanon McKendry, Pete Brand expresses a deep appreciation for the growth of small entrepreneurial business and the growth of West Michigan. From his perspective, despite more recent changes, greater Grand Rapids will continue to grow and bring investment to the area. New forms of commerce will be created.

Along with these great additions will come the challenge of supporting increases in traffic activity. It’s a challenge to change our thinking – to handle the growth.

Brand forecasts that creating more parking isn’t the answer to house all the growth. He sees public transportation as a resource that can address growth and offers energy to the areas it serves. It’s a lifeblood for business – including getting people to work.

Having the proper infrastructure in place to handle the growth is critical.

“We need to think about the community we live in. We need to think outside of ourselves. If I’m asked to support something that will increase the infrastructure and help this area become more prosperous – I’m all for that.”

Rae Bower, Board President, Disability Advocates of Kent County

In spite of physical limitations, Rae Bower considers herself to be an independent person. Four years ago she moved to Grand Rapids and immediately tested her ability to maintain her independence when she needed to venture out to a dentist. Typical to February, it was snowing. Her effort to manage the trek required her to cross busy 28th Street, but the inaccessible curbs and unplowed snow where sidewalks should be meant that she couldn’t stop traffic – so Rae had to risk her life to cross.

Fortunately, this one experience didn’t daunt Rae. After a little research on her part, she discovered GO!Bus. GO!Bus provides door-to-door paratransit service for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. on the same area and at the same days and times as The Rapid fixed-route bus.

Once she discovered Go!Bus, which provides door-to-door paratransit service for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, Rae knew it was for her.
Rae has taken what she has learned and worked passionately for others with disabilities. Her goal is to contribute towards the development of a community in such a way that we are leaving a legacy to our children/mapping out future for their needs in mind.

Dr. Thomas Haas, President, Grand Valley State University

The connection between Grand Valley State University’s Allendale and downtown Grand Rapids campuses was a natural thanks to partnership with The Rapid. It was a natural for creating convenience and affordability. Buses leave each campus every six minutes at peak times due to demand. Finding a parking space at both campuses is less of a burden. Costs are lower for students to ride The Rapid than if they commuted on their own.

Even more important to Haas, the partnership with The Rapid achieves a greater mission for GVSU – sustainability through an alternative mode of transportation. In fact, sustainability has been elevated to a value statement within the University’s mission statement.

“It’s natural. It’s a habit. It enhances the quality of life.”

Haas finds the role of The Rapid satisfying because they are creating a different cultural mindset for transit with next generation. That said, many faculty and staff, as well as the president and his wife choose to use The Rapid.

Casey Dutmer, Community Transit Activist

While Casey Dutmer has lived without sight since birth, his perspective on public transportation has never been about disabled community alone. In his opinion, it’s for everyone.

“Good public transportation means good economic growth and development.”

Casey has studied transportation systems all around the country. The consistency between all of them is a concentration of business and housing to create complete neighborhoods. Dutmer passionately believes we should have the best public transportation to attract opportunities like tourism, sporting events, and grow business.

Win Irwin, President, Irwin Seating Company

The more public transportation options we can provide, the more we enable people to move up the economic ladder, and that’s good for all of us.

As a previous chairman of the Kent/Allegan County Workforce Development Board, a part of Michigan Works, Win Irwin has been given a up-close view of the challenges of getting – and keeping – people employed. Getting a job can be challenging enough. Getting to a job shouldn’t be. He’s learned that by connecting employees and employers using appropriate transportation solutions gives a lifeline to employment. Employees win. Employers win. Our local economy benefits. And that helps all of us.