The Rapid Supports GSI through Green Bus Stops and LEED Central Station
March 12, 2023
The Rapid, a regional public transportation system, provides an estimated 10.5 million rides annually serving six cities. Decision makers have implemented sustainable practices throughout The Rapid’s facility and through service provision to riders as sustainability aligns well with their core values.
From 2002 to 2014, the old warehouse, then the DASH building, was turned into the redesigned Rapid Central Station. The building was the first transit facility that was LEED certified in the nation with stormwater reduction measures put into place. In order to achieve LEED certifications, The Rapid had to reduce and effectively manage stormwater at their 130,000 square foot facility. LEED certification was not the only motivation for The Rapid to choose implementing green stormwater infrastructure. Stormwater from the property drains directly into the Grand River and implementing green infrastructure has aided in the increase of water quality that flows into an essential natural resource in the region.
In order to reduce the volume of stormwater runoff, a 15,000-square-foot green roof was installed at The Rapid. The fully vegetated green roof was designed to increase infiltration volume, reduce urban heat stress and increase the durability of the roof. Through research and trial and error, The Rapid explored various technologies that offered long-term solutions. LiveRoof experts helped to recommend a variety of plants to put into place, and the modular aspect of the roof allows for easy removal and repair to replace sections that may become damaged. Vegetation on the roof absorbs approximately 10% of rainfall that hits the roof. A canopy platform designed for further infiltration allows the stormwater runoff to flow into catch basins with two swirl separators that filter debris from runoff. After 12 Michigan winters, the green roof continues to function to its fullest capacity to infiltrate and filter stormwater.
The 15,000-sq ft green roof of The Rapid Central Station in Downtown Grand Rapids
The Rapid’s facilities not only aid in reducing stormwater runoff onsite through nature-based solutions, but provide benefits to riders and employees throughout the city as well. Over 400 employees have access to the walkable green roof during their breaks which provides numerous health and wellness benefits. Employees working at The Rapid are encouraged to become a part of their Green Team and support its commitment to sustainability.
Green stormwater infrastructure such as bioswales and small rain gardens can also be found at bus stops throughout the city. Along the Silver Line bus route, vegetated landscaping helps to infiltrate rain along walkways to the bus stops. In the future, The Rapid also hopes to provide bicycle sharing opportunities for commuters in addition to the bus routes.
Implementing bus stop rain gardens is not seen as a costly addition. Some of the larger green stormwater infrastructure projects have been partially funded by federal and state transportation grants. Although some green stormwater infrastructure such as green roofs may cost more than traditional infrastructure practices, the many benefits received for doing so are difficult to quantify. When sustainability is a core value of their operations, long term benefits achieved from green infrastructure outweigh the monetary cost of implementation.
When looking to the future of the transportation system, The Rapid would like to explore porous pavement that could support higher vehicle loads for busses as such technologies and green infrastructure solutions arise. Decision makers at The Rapid understand the many advantages to implementing green stormwater infrastructure. It is just as important to note that each project and budget is unique and that investigating innovative green stormwater infrastructure practices is worth the effort.
The Rapid acknowledges that commitments from city leaders and community members assist them in their sustainable journey to reduce stormwater runoff. City departments work hard to ensure that streets are well maintained, which is vital for transit operations. Storm drains on the streets can become clogged with debris, or snow in the winter and both employees and riders can help clear drains to prevent flooding at bus stops.
Overall, The Rapid does not only contribute to the betterment of the environment by providing public transportation to urban areas, but also contributes to the sustainability of their community through the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure solutions. Moreover, facilities have been designed with U.S. Green Building standards for reducing stormwater onsite. The Rapid’s other green stormwater infrastructure practices can be seen and enjoyed by community members at bus stops and along various routes throughout the city of Grand Rapids.
The Rapid, a regional public transportation provider, promotes a mission to create, offer and continuously improve a flexible network of regional public transportation options and mobility solutions. The Rapid envisions public transportation supports sustainability and economic development, a belief of responsibility to all customers and a role in regional development built on collaboration. The Rapids values customers and employees and is committed to leadership in the transit industry by enhancing public transportation’s role in sustainability.