We all know the struggle of waiting in a blizzard for 30 minutes to see the bus trekking toward us, experiencing the happiness of stepping on the warm bus and sitting for a few minutes. I know the Rapid system has saved me many times and I don’t know if we would survive without it.
10. No Mile-Walk from South Campus to North Campus
At 8 a.m., no one wants to find themselves running a mile to Mackinac to make it to class before the sunrise. Luckily, the bus is always ready to pick you up to avoid a miserable morning.
9. Saving the Environment One Bus at a Time
With the hundreds of students riding the bus daily, that is hundreds of cars not emitting terrible pollution into the air. Way to go bus riders!
8. Always Running When We Need Them
Whether we need to pick up some groceries or we are stranded at the off-campus apartments, the bus always seems to roll up when you need it. Running until 3 a.m. may seem unnecessary until you’re the one waiting to get home to your bed.
7. Weekend Party Bus
If you’ve never experienced the bus at 10:30 p.m. on a Friday or Saturday, you’re missing out. Kids pack the bus until no one can move, singing, chanting, and dancing until we, sadly, reach our destination.
6. Meeting New People
This may seem a little strange at first, but the bus has brought me more friends than I can count. Being friendly to strangers pays off. I, personally, met my future roommates while riding the 85 on a Friday night. You never know who you'll find yourself sitting next to!
5. Downtown Grand Rapids
Bored in Allendale and can’t find anything to do? No problem! Hop on the 50 and head to Grand Rapids. There is always some type of adventure to find in downtown Grand Rapids, and because of the bus system, it’s only a short 15-minute ride away.
4. Meijer
God Bless Meijer. How would we survive without it? Last-minute shopping or dropped your toothbrush in the community bathroom? Don’t fret! The 50 is on its way to save you. Anything you need from food to hiking boots to school supplies, and you’ll have it in a short eight minutes.
3. Free Transportation
I mean, what’s better than free rides whenever you want? Of course, our hefty tuition bill is providing this lovely system, but no extra costs is a nice perk. No need to drop $50 on gas or have to worry about maintenance costs for a car.
2. The Fantastic Bus Drivers
If you’re a regular bus rider, you must have your favorite bus driver in mind. Even when dealing with terrible traffic, and sometimes rude, annoying college students, the bus drivers never fail to have a smile on their face. Some even crack jokes and sing for their passengers. They can cheer you up on the most stressful of days.
1. No Spending An Hour Looking For A Parking Spot
Now, I know everyone has encountered the horrible truth of parking at the GVSU campuses. Nothing is more frustrating than being late to class because it took so long to find a parking spot. Plus, sometimes the closest one is a half mile from your class. The bus saves so many from the agony of trying to find a parking spot in the chaos that is Grand Valley parking.
