Organizers say a $57 million federal grant should cover a big chunk of a rapid transit bus system in the Grand Rapids area.
The Grand Rapids Press reports that Federal Transit Administration Acting Administrator Therese McMillan promoted the project Wednesday in a conference call.
She says the Laker Line will offer "faster and better service in an area where buses are often overcrowded."
Funding for the 13-mile line between Grand Valley State University in Allendale and downtown Grand Rapids was recommended this week as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's annual budget. It's estimated to cost $64 million.
The Laker Line would have 14 stations and a maximum of 13 vehicles stopping at six-minute intervals at peak times.
Planners say they expect 13,000 riders each day.
