Thinking of buying a used bike? Check out what Mother Earth News has to say: http://www.motherearthliving.com/issues/motherearthliving/green_transportation/what-to-look-for-in-a-used-bike_705-1.html

Grand Rapids is working on getting some Street Cars, maybe A2 will be next?

In a recent survey, many people wanted to know more about which businesses in the downtown have the go!pass, how many are distributed, etc.  So we created a page just for you.  We’ll keep it updated throughout the year as new businesses get their passes.

To go to our stats page, click here: http://www.getdowntown.org/bus/gopass/Go_pass_stats.html

Can’t walk, bike or bus to work? Why not considering Vanpooling?

As I visted various businesses in the downtown, I hear a common refrain: “I live too far away to bus, bike or walk.” Well, for those of you looking for reduced commuting stress, cheaper gas and parking costs, there is another alternative. It’s called vanpooling. MichiVan (www.michivan.com) runs the commuter vanpool program for the state of Michigan. I asked Michelle Romano Rockwood to write a short piece outlining how vanpools work and why they are such a great alternative to driving to work alone. You can meet Michelle in person and learn more about vanpools at an upcoming getdowntown vanpool event, details at http://www.getdowntown.org/programs/events/When_bikingx_walking_and_busing_are_not_enough

MichiVan Commuter Vanpools

Vanpooling with MichiVan is a cost effective alternative for commuters who enjoy the convenience of sharing a ride to work together in a friendly environment. Vanpool participants arrive at work safe, on time and relaxed. The MichiVan Vanpool Program is operated by VPSI, Inc., the nation’s largest vanpool services provider. MichiVan offers several styles of vanpool vehicles accommodating groups of 5 to 15 passengers. VPSI, Inc. has partnered with the Michigan Department of Transportation to promote vanpooling since 1981.

Additionally, MichiVan administers the University of Michigan vanpool program. The university currently has 70 vans in their fleet, serving about 400 people.

“Today, in our 21^st century world of fluctuating gasoline prices, busy highways and costly parking, it’s good to know there are cost effective alternatives for commuters,” said Jackie Shinn, MDOT Chief Deputy Director. There are approximately 1,800 people served by commuter vans each day. This means there are fewer vehicles on Michigan roads and highways. “This is good for the environment and reduces emissions in the air we breathe.”

Established in 1977 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan, VPSI operates a fleet of over 4,000 vehicles throughout the United States and Europe. With offices in more than 25 major cities, VPSI has the resources to organize cost saving vanpools almost anywhere in the country. For more information on the MichiVan Vanpooling Program, visit www.michivan.com or call 1-800-VAN-RIDE.

For more on vanpooling, check out getDowntown’s upcoming event: Vanpooling: When walking, biking and busing are not enough.