Delta College
IN-1: Innovation 1

Delta College, in partnership with the local Bay Metro Transit Authority (BMTA), Meijer Inc., and Saginaw Valley State University established a Park n’ Ride Green Line bus route. The route, a first of its kind in the area, operates from 7:00am-11:00pm to accommodate student class schedules. The hybrid-conversion buses operate at 15 minute intervals providing a reliable, environmentally-conscious alternative mode of transportation. The Green Line is a continuous loop from the Meijer store parking lot in Bay City. Meijer funded 30 parking spaces, bike racks, a wait station, and an announcement board to post campus and community events. Delta College is a commuter campus whose faculty, staff, and students overwhelmingly use the automobile for their primary means of transportation to and from campus. The establishment of the Green Line responds directly to a prior survey which revealed students were open to learning more about alternate transportation options. It also addresses our Sustainability Master Plan (Jan 2010) which recommends the college: • Grow partnerships with regional transit systems for the continued development of routes and transit schedules that assist students and staff in adopting alternative modes of transportation. • Create additional opportunities and incentives for increased student and staff outreach on the benefits of ride share. To promote public transportation as an accessible and feasible option to the college community, Delta College garnered grant funding to subsidize the cost of ridership. The grant made possible the design and printing of over 6,000 free bus passes. The passes also promote the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Delta College. Riders provide their contact information on the bus pass which enters them into a prize drawing during the 50th Anniversary celebration. Delta College serves three main counties in the Great Lakes Bay area which is served by three separate transit authorities. The new bus service is another step toward bringing the region’s transportation services together. Success of this initial route holds opportunity for future routes at Meijer stores in each county.