The Rapid Offers Free Rides on Clean Air Action Days
On days with high heat and pollution, all rides on The Rapid are free to help residents travel safely and reduce emissions.
The Rapid public transit system waives fares for all passengers on city-declared Clean Air Action Days. This helps those without air conditioning access cooler locations and encourages public transit use to lower emissions on poor air quality days.
On days when Grand Rapids declares a Clean Air Action Alert due to extreme heat or pollution, The Rapid public transit system makes all rides free. No fares, no tickets, just hop on any bus. This policy directly affects daily life by removing cost barriers when getting around town might be most critical.
Every Rapid bus route participates, including major lines like the 5 along Burton Street SE or the 6 through downtown. The offer is for all riders, no exceptions. Whether you're a regular commuter or someone who needs to reach a cooling center, the bus becomes a no-cost option to stay safe and mobile during challenging weather.
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The initiative serves two key purposes. First, it provides essential transportation for residents without air conditioning who need to access cooler public spaces like the Grand Rapids Public Library or local community centers. Second, by encouraging public transit use, it helps reduce the number of cars on the road, cutting down on emissions when the air quality is poor. For updates on Clean Air Action Days, watch for city announcements.
