Our Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) offers downtown visitors and workers 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 are being consolidated into a single circulator to better serve visitors, residents and anyone trying to get around downtown Grand Rapids. (See preview of the new route below).
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 service will be now be available later in the day and on Sundays. The DASH circulator will operate every 15 minutes Wednesday-Friday 7am-12:00am, Saturday 11am-1am, and Sunday 11am-5pm
We will be sharing more information about the new DASH route + services changes soon. The last day of DASH West and DASH North service will be Saturday, May 6th. The DASH circulator will launch on Wednesday, May 10th.
New DASH route.
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.
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.
Map of commuter shuttle.
DASH Service
DASH routes will run Monday - Saturday every 15 minutes and follow the schedule below.
Monday - Friday
6:30 am - 10:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday
No service
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:
Monroe Ave NW will be closed from Lyon St NW to Michigan St NW. From 8/10/22 through 8/19/22.
DASH North NB: Monroe, (R) Lyon, (L) Ionia, (L) Michigan, (R) Monroe to Regular Route
DASH North SB: Monroe (L) Michigan, (R) Ottawa, (R) Lyon, (L) Monroe to Regular Route
Current Long Term Detours:
Market Ave/Monroe Ave Detour:
DASH North NB: Cherry (R) Grandville (R) Weston (L) Ottawa (R) Fulton (L) Ionia (L) Louis (R) Monroe to regular route.
DASH North SB: Monroe (L) Louis (R) Ottawa (R) Weston (L) Grandville (L) Cherry to regular route.
This detour is part of an upcoming storm sewer project that is anticipated to be completed in August 2022.
DASH buses don't operate on the following holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Christmas Eve (11/24/2020) will have the following service reductions:
- DASH West:
- Last roundtrip leaves Area 9 lot at 6:10 pm
- DASH North:
- Last southbound trip leaves Leonard/Ionia at 6:15 pm
- Last northbound trip leaves Downtown Market at 6:10pm
Call us at 616-456-3000
Email us at mobilegr@grcity.us