Catch A Max! The Macatawa Area Express Transit

Caryn Cortez and Kelly McDonald

As we were learning about the max bus we interviewed Katie Driesenga to find out more about information and questions that we wondered about the Max bus. We have given you a copy of the questions we asked her and will1What is the MAX?Mission:To create a sustainable transportation system for all residents with links to other transits.

Is a local public bus systemCovers about 42 square milesServes the greater Holland-Zeeland areaFunded by local, state, and federal funds.Hours of operation and routesWeekdays 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.Fixed route buses run hourly.Padnos Transportation Center

Route 1 - North Mall AreaRoute 2 - Butternut / 136thRoute 3 - Southshore AreaRoute 4 - Waverly / 120thRoute 5 - Washington/S. RiverRoute 6 - Holland HeightsRoute 7 - Lincoln/SouthtownRoute 8 - Zeeland

What Katie Driesenga likes about the Max Bus!My favorite part of Max is being able to provide rides to people who have no means of transportation, or no money for gas or insurance. People who normally would be home bound now have transportation to doctors, pharmacies, grocery shopping and visiting loved ones. We also transport a lot of people to jobs, school, church and senior centers.ServicesReserve-A-Max (by 4:00pm)Destination is mile from a fixed stop70+ years oldADA cardholdersNite Owl Services7pm to 12 midnightReservation required

FairsPassenger TypeFixed Route Bus FairReserved Ride Bus FairAdults 18-64$1.00$5.00Seniors 65+Free$2.00Children 5-17$.50$2.00Under 5 years with AdultFreeFreeADA cardholdersFree$2.00Medicare cardholdersFree$5.00Bus passDaily Pass (white) $2Unlimited rides on the fixed routes for one dayMonthly Fixed Route Pass (gray) $30Adults 18-64Unlimited rides on fixed routesStudent Semester Pass (red) $50Unlimited fixed route rides per semester. Valid student ID required.

The plus sides of riding the MaxPeople ride public transit to either make money or spend money. Clark HarderPromotes economic development$ 1 invested in MAX = $6 in economic returnsReduces traffic, congestion, and fuel usageSafer than a car97% of surveyed passengers rated their overall satisfaction with MAX as "Excellent/Good!"

Say with less fuel usage we are being environmentally friendly8Special Bus FeaturesEasily readable route signsWheelchair lifts and securesPadded and upholstered seatsSafety beltsFront-mounted bike racksTinted glass for glare reductionChime cords to alert driver for need to disembark9Traveling Assistance Training:Free for those with developmental or physical needsLearn how to read bus schedules, route planning, paying fares, safety tipsBus Buddies Program (free)

Americans with Disabilities Act CardholdersWho?People with disabilities that prevent them from using a nothing bus because of a physical or cognitive impairment.Service animals are allowed (without cage and for no charge).Caregivers must be present at pickup and drop off if individual cannot be left alone.Personal Care Attendant (PCAs) help passengers meet their disability-related needs (ride for free). ADA CardholdersReceive a government issued card that entitles them to:Reduced service cost within MAX service areaWithin normal operating hoursStanding Service (repeats during the week)Accessibility:Picked up and dropped off at safest curb or location must be specified.ADA CardholdersWheelchairs & ScootersMedication & Life Support EquipmentBoth = Yes, theyre allowed within standard limits.Driver cannot assist with any medications.

FAQCan children ride MAX to school? Do I need exact change? Where do I board? Bike or wheelchair?Are all buses the same? What if I live outside of the Holland/Zeeland Area?

14Special Services

ActivityHow the Max can get you there!

Your grandmother is at Freedom Village and needs her medication picked up from Meijers what is the best route to take?

You wanted to stop at MI Works before going to your field placement at Zeeland Cityside Middle School. What route would you take?

You are a student at Harbor Lights Middle School and want to go see ODD perform for Nykerk at the civic center which route would you take?

You just met your relatives at Tulip City Airport and your uncle has broke his leg tripping over luggage but is too proud to call an ambulance. What is the fast route on the Max Bus to get him to Holland Hospital?

18You are a junior at Holland Christian and you need to meet your little brother at the Boys and Girls Club?

You just picked up your groceries at the north Meijers and received a text from your roommate about a huge sale at the Gap outlet. How would you get from Meijers to the Gap outlet?

Its Parents Weekend at Hope College and your parents are staying at the Holiday Inn. They said they would meet you at the train station but the now have a flat tire and need you to visit them. How would you get from train station to them?

You are a teacher who teaches at the Black River School and needs to mail a package. What is the best route to take to get to the post office?