Our Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) offers downtown visitors and residents a great way to get around downtown. DASH buses pass every stop every 15 minutes. What a service!
Learn more about the schedule, real-time bus updates, and detours using this guide.
The DASH West and DASH North routes were consolidated into a single circulator to better serve visitors, residents and anyone trying to get around downtown Grand Rapids in May 2023.
This new route will serve new areas of Grand Rapids and connect many downtown and neighborhood destinations. As always the DASH will be completely FREE to ride. The new DASH loop runs in both directions. That means you can ride it both clockwise and counter clockwise. This allows riders to always take the shortest route to their destination.
The new service is now be available later in the day and on Sundays. The DASH circulator operates every 15 minutes Wednesday-Friday 7am-12:00am, Saturday 11am-1am, and Sunday 11am-5pm
In August 2023, the new DASH alignment was adjusted to add stops on Division Avenue.
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.
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.
DASH Service
DASH routes will run Monday - Saturday every 15 minutes and follow the schedule below. There is no Monday or Tuesday service at this time.
Wednesday - Friday
7:00 am - 12:00 am
Saturday
11:00 am - 1:00 am
Sunday
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Silver Line
The Silver Line runs in a loop throughout Downtown Grand Rapids with frequency ranging from 10 minutes during rush hour to 20 - 30 minutes midday and evenings.
The approximate schedule for the Silver Line is shown below. For exact schedules check out ridetherapid.org, visit The Rapid's Silver Line webpage, or use Transit App or The Rapid's myStop app (iOS & Android).
Monday - Friday *
5:00am - Midnight
Saturday **
6:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday **
7:00am - 7:00pm
* Monday - Friday service runs every 10 minutes during rush hour to 20-30 minutes midday and evenings
** Saturday and Sunday service frequency is 30 minutes
Need to travel outside of downtown?
Ride any routes in The Rapid system for $1.75 (with free transfers) and plan your route using ridetherapid.org, Transit App, or the Rapid's myStop app (iOS & Android).
Use the interactive map below to find out where and when to catch the next bus.
For real-time bus updates use connect.ridetherapid.org or the Transit App. You can download The Rapid's myStop app for transit updates, too.
At the stop
Arrive at the stop and wait on the sidewalk where the driver can see you. As the bus arrives, check the digital sign above the front window to be sure it’s the correct bus route and direction. Signal the driver that you want to board. Stay back from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop. If you need a boarding ramp, ask the bus operator.
Boarding and Riding
The DASH is always free, so you don’t need to pay! Board the bus at the front door; the rear door is for exiting passengers. If you have questions about whether you have the right bus or where your stop is located, ask the bus driver. Take a seat until you are ready to exit.
Signal to Stop
When you're a block or two away from your stop, pull the cord above your seat to signal the driver. Exit through the rear door. For your safety, never cross in front of the bus after exiting.
We recommend two apps to plan your trip on the DASH.
- Transit App gives real-time upcoming departure times for transit, and allows users to star their favorite lines and stops to make frequent trips easier. Transit App is available on Android & iOS.
- The myStop mobile app is supported by The Rapid and provides real-time bus schedule and location information. Available on iOS & Android.
Use these apps for more than the DASH! These apps are helpful for finding other nearby routes in The Rapid public transit network.
For real-time bus detour updates use connect.ridetherapid.org or Transit App. You can download The Rapid's myStop app for transit updates, too - look for the small red triangle.
Reminder: While buses are on detour any corner on the driver’s right side will be considered an authorized location to stop and allow customers to exit. Please let the driver know by pulling the stop cord or communicating directly with the driver.
Current Short Term Detours:
Starting 9/25/23
Detour on DASH CCW: Division (L) Weston (L) Commerce (R) Oakes (R) Ionia to Regular Route
Current Long Term Detours:
From July 11 through Late September the following stops will be closed due to construction:
-
North Monroe both clockwise and counterclockwise stops.
-
Canal Park both clockwise and counterclockwise stops.
-
Riverwalk clockwise stop.
Bus detour during this construction:
Route 51 DASH Clockwise: Leonard; Stay straight on Leonard (R) Plainfield (R) Newberry (L) Monroe to regular route.
Route 52 DASH Counterclockwise:Monroe (R) Newberry (L) Division (L) Leonard to regular route.
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Starting Friday, August 4th:
Detour stops for the Monroe Avenue closure are located at Trowbridge & Bond Ave, on Ottawa between Newberry & Mason, and near Belknap park at Division & Coldbrook St.
Click here for detour map(PDF, 3MB)
DASH buses don't operate on the following holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Call us at 616-456-3000
Email us at mobilegr@grcity.us