News - Events - MAX

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Get a free ride to the polls on election day! MAX offers FREE fixed route bus rides all day long from 6 a.m-7 p.m. on Michigan\'s four designated election days. Next election is Nov. 3. So get out and vote...and ride MAX to the polls.

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Ride the fixed bus routes for FREE all day long on Thursday, April 22 in celebration of Earth Day 2010. Help us conserve fuel, preserve our air quality and reduce road congestion by riding the bus.

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MAX is giving free rides all day long on Friday, March 14 for the observance of Energy Week (March 13-21, 2007). Leave your car in the garage and take the bus to work, school, shopping or errands!

Max Transit is committed to helping preserve the environment and fostering greater sustainability. That’s why we always offer FREE fixed route rides on Earth Day and on designated Ozone Action Days during the summer months. We want to encourage the use of public transit to reduce traffic, pollution and fuel usage.
Earth Day offers a great opportunity to for adults and children to learn about the importance of conservation and recycling. Even small things can help make a difference, and teaching children at a young age helps them grow up to be responsible adults.

Here are 15 ways that you and your children can make the planet cleaner and greener together:

1. Walk or ride a bike to get where you need to go instead of driving. Increased physical activity also reduces obesity. If that’s not practical, carpool or take the MAX bus instead of using your personal vehicle. Make the bus ride a family outing by riding it to the mall, movie theater or ice cream shop on a Saturday afternoon.
2. Conserve energy by getting into the habit of turning off lights when leaving the room and unplugging TVs and computers when turned off (they still draw energy!)
3. Don’t let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or doing dishes. Michigan is blessed with its fresh water supply. Let’s conserve this valuable resource.
4. Start a compost pile in your backyard to dispose of yard waste and kitchen scraps to create your own natural fertilizer.
5. Pick out products at the store that have little or no packaging to reduce the amount of waste that goes to our landfills. Hint: Fresh fruits and vegetables are often sold in their own skins without packaging!
6. Take showers instead of baths because it uses less water, and install water-saving shower nozzles.
7. Buy or make your own reusable grocery shopping bags to take home groceries from the store and forego the whole “paper" or “plastic" dilemma! Keep them in a convenient spot so that you’ll remember to take and use them each time you buy groceries. Meijer sells reusable bags for just $1.
8. Find fun ways to reuse and recycle everyday items. Plastic milk jugs can be made into mole deterrent pinwheels that turn in the wind when placed on a pole in the ground. They also make great watering cans for plants. Use aluminum soup cans as baking tubes for banana bread or decorate them as pencil holders.
9. Recycle your old newspapers by bringing them to fundraising paper drives or taking them to newspaper recyclers, where you can actually earn a little cash. There’s a paper recycling center in downtown Grand Rapids.
10. Plant a tree. Trees naturally purify the air and provide housing for habitat. You also can purchase trees through the National Arbor Day Foundation to be planted in honor of someone. Each tree is only a $1 donation.
11. Stop buying individual bottled water at the store. Not only is it expensive, but it creates large amounts of container waste for landfills. Instead, filter your tap water and reuse those bottled water containers. Be sure to clean well with soap and rinse with water.
12. Recycle old electronics responsibly. “E-waste" from discarded cell phones, computers and MP3s is a growing environmental problem. This electronic refuge contains mercury and other toxic substances that leach into the environment. Keep your electronics for as long as they can be used, or donate them to worthwhile charities. The Center for Women in Transition in Holland accepts used and working cell phones. Most schools accept working computers.
13. Be a reuser instead of a consumer. Instead of buying new books, DVDs and other media, take the bus to the library to borrow these items. Shop garage sales and consignment stores for excellent preowned items sold at a fraction of the cost of new. Visit websites, such as Craigslist and Freetrader, to find items given away for free.
14. Switch to CFL lights. Compact flurescent bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last about 10 times longer. They’re more expense, but you’ll pay for the cost and begin saving on energy within just three months time. Over thelife of the bulb, you’ll save about $85 for each 60 watt bulb replaced with a CFL.
15. Install a programmable thermostat. Home heating comprises almost half of the average household’s annual energy bills. Lowering the temperature by just one degree in winter can save you 3 percent on your heating bill. A programmable thermostat can save you a bundle by automatically turning down the heat when you’re at work or school all day or at night when you’re sleeping. Best of all, it can turn up the heat so that’s warm when you arrive home. Programmable thermostats start around $30, but can save about $100 in energy cost each year.

The Macatawa Area Express (MAX) Transportation Authority will participate in Green Commute Week, June 23-27, organized by the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council (MACC). The weeklong event is designed to raise public awareness of the benefits of non-motorized transportation and to encourage commuting by bike to reduce the use of single-occupant vehicles, improve air quality and conserve fuel.

As part of the activities, MACC is sponsoring a public educational forum on Wednesday, June 25 at West Ottawa High School’s south campus cafeteria commons. Attendees will learn about the health benefits of cycling, proper cycling clothing, how to reduce perspiration and “helmut hair�, bike safety when sharing the road with motorists, and selecting safe and efficient bike routes.

MAX will give tours of the a bus and demonstrate the front-loading bike racks that hold most types of two-wheeled bikes, allowing passengers to use the area’s extensive bike paths and trails to bike and ride to their destinations. MAX will also distribute bumper stickers (“My other car is a MAX bus�) and “Save the Planet-Ride the Bus� promotional buttons, as well as fixed route bus schedules at its booth.

Other activities during Green Commute Week include a free pool pass to the Holland Aquatic Center for people who ride their bikes to the center, and a Ride to Work contest that offers prizes for the greatest number of mileage and days of bike riding.

More information on Green Commute Week is available by calling the MACC at (616) 395-2688.

Steve Bailey has been hired by MV Transportation to serve as operations manager for the Macatawa Area Express (MAX) transit system in Holland, Mich.
MV Transportation is the contractor hired by the MAX Transportation Authority to provide personnel to drive the buses and manage the routes and services for the transit system with oversight by City of Holland staff.

A native of Holland, Bailey has more than 20 years supervisory and management experience and holds an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Davenport College. Bailey most recently was general manager and accountant for the Holland Bowl Mill at the Wooden Shoe Factory. He also has held accounting positions with Overland Industrial Equipment Co. and Thermotron Corp., both in Holland.

Bailey will report to Katie Driesenga, general manager, MV Transportation.

Now through September 30, 2008, if you buy a Monthly Bus Pass or a Student Semester Bus Pass, you\'ll get a FREE messenger backpack or premium soccer tee shirt of your choice!

Monthly passes are just $30 (or half price $15 for children 5-17) and student semester passes are just $50 for unlimited rides all semester long.

Buy your bus pass online at www.catchamax.org or stop by the MAX Office at the Padnos Transportation Center.

(Holland, Mich.) Sept. 30, 2008 – Holland area residents who have places to go in the evening but no transportation will now have the option of riding the bus. The Macatawa Area Express (MAX) Transportation Authority begins offering its “Night Owl” reserved ride service from 7 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Saturdays.

The service offers call-ahead reserved rides only after the regular fixed bus routes end at 7 p.m. Passengers must call in to reserve their ride by 4 p.m. the day prior to travel. Reservations are being handled on a first-come, first served basis. One way fares are $3 for adults and half-fare cardholders, and $1 for seniors, children and ADA cardholders.

“Area residents have consistently requested evening bus service, but our transit millage is insufficient to fund the cost of operating our fixed route buses at night,” explains Sherri Betz, MAX’s marketing specialist. “Offering Reserve-A-MAX in the evening will at least give residents the option of riding the bus home from work, or attending evening social or school functions.”

Betz admits that it is possible that demand for night service will exceed capacity, but that this is a good start and will help transit officials gauge the demand for service.

The new evening service is made possible by a $55,000 New Freedom Grant from the Federal Transportation Administration to fund one driver and one bus until midnight. MAX must match the grant with a $55,000 local contribution.

MAX’s policy of allowing able-bodied adults to use the demand response service is an anomaly. The transit systems in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo do not offer reserved ride service for adults unless they have a disability.

MAX will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year\'s Day. Night Owl demand response service will not be offered on Christmas Eve and New Year\'s Eve. MAX\'s fixed routes and demand response service will end at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year\'s Eve.

November 27 - Thanksgiving - CLOSED
December 24 - Christmas Eve - 6 a.m.-7 p.m. (No Night Owl Service)
December 25 - Christmas - CLOSED
December 31 - New Year\'s Eve - 6 a.m.-7 p.m. (No Night Owl Service)
January 1, 2009 - New Year\'s Day - CLOSED

Bus passes will no longer be for sale at the MAX Bus Garage at 433 E. 24th Street, beginning January 1, 2009. Passes may be purchased online at www.catchamax.org or by phone by calling 355-1010. Bus passes are also sold at the Padnos Transportation Center, Holland City Hall, Zeeland City Hall, and Holland Township Offices.

The Macatawa Area Express (MAX) Transportation Authority will offer free fixed route rides on Saturday, March 14, to kick off 2nd Annual Energy Week.

The MAX Transportation Authority Board approved the free fixed route rides at its monthly board meeting on January 26. MAX operates its fixed routes from 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

Energy Week runs March 14-21, and is sponsored by Holland West, a non-profit organization that educates the public about sustainable energy. Several lectures, presentations, movie showings and crafts for kids are scheduled throughout the week:

*10 am Saturday, March 14 - Calling all Kids Green Crafts sponsored by the Holland Area Arts Council, 150 E. 8th St.
*12 pm Noon Saturday, March 14 - St. Patty\'s Day Parade is Green Squared. Downtown Holland.
*1 pm Saturday, March 14 - Save Some Green. Tips for conservation in your home. Knickerbocker Theater, 86 E. 8th St.
*7 pm Monday, March 16 - Holland Responds to Climate Change: Achievements & Needs. Hosted by League of Women Voters, Holland City Hall, 270 S. River Ave.
*7 pm Tuesday, March 17 - The Role of Coal. Hosted by Holland Christian High School, 950 Ottawa Ave.
*7 pm Tuesday, March 17 - Caring for the Creation that Cares for Us. Presented by Dr.Thomas Boogaart, Hope Church, 77 W. 11th St.
*7 pm Wednesday, March 18 - \"Reinventing the World\" Movie and Discussion. Sponsored by 3E\'s Initiative at Holland Herrick Public Library, 300 S. River Ave.
*7 pm Thursday, March 19 - \"Hot, Flat & Crowded\" Book Discussion and CityFlats LEED Certification presentation. City Flats Hotel, 61 E. 7th St.

Contact Holland West or visit their website at www.westmichiganenergy.org for more information.

MAX now offers 8 fixed routes with our newest route providing hourly service to and from the City of Zeeland. Route 8 includes 23 stops at many popular Zeeland destinations. To view Route 8, click on the Routes & Schedules link on the left hand side of our home page.

Beginning April 6, 2009, able-bodied residents, including school aged children, who are within 1/2 mile of a MAX bus stop will no longer be eligible to use Reserve-A-MAX and will be required to use the fixed bus routes. Previously, passengers greater than ¼ (one-quarter) mile of a bus stop were able to use demand response service. Able-bodied persons (non-ADA) who currently use demand response service may not longer qualify for reserved rides if they are within 1/2 mile of a bus stop. Passengers affected by this new policy may call MAX customer service at 355-1010 for assistance in planning their trips using the fixed routes.

The MAX Board approved the new requirement at its January 26, 2009 meeting. The change in policy is designed to gradually reduce the reliance on demand response service, which is a premium service designed primarily for ADA eligible passengers and seniors. By reducing the number of reserved rides, MAX officials hope to free up more drivers and buses that could be used on some fixed routes to offer more frequent service, such as 30 minute headways instead of hourly.

The Macatawa Area Express (MAX), the public transit system for the greater Holland/Zeeland area, will offer free rides on its eight fixed bus routes on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22.

This will be the seventh year that the MAX Transportation Authority has approved free rides on Earth Day to encourage more residents to ride the bus to help reduce vehicle emissions that create ground level ozone. MAX also gives free fixed route bus rides on all designated Clean Air Action Days when particulate matter levels are high.

Seniors and ADA eligible passengers already ride the fixed routes for free everyday. The normal one-way fare for adult passengers is $1 and half price for children ages 5-17.
MAX also will be distributing Earth Day bumper stickers (“My other car is a MAX bus”) and “Save the Planet-Ride the Bus” promotional buttons on all of its fixed route buses.

MAX buses run hourly from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays. Outgoing buses leave the Padnos Transportation Center in downtown Holland at the top of each hour, and return to the center at :50.

MAX ridership has increased dramatically in the past two years with the expansion of the fixed bus routes. Ridership is expected to exceed 336,000 rides in 2009, a projected increase of nine percent over calendar year 2008.

MAX is altering some of its routes and suspending some bus stops in the downtown Holland area because of roads being blocked for Tulip Time parades on May 6 (Wednesday), May 7 (Thursday) and May 9 (Saturday) only from noon- 5 p.m. Not all fixed bus routes are affected. The following are inbound and outbound route changes are effective only from 12-5 p.m. on May 6, 7 and 9. Passengers with specific questions about route and bus stop changes during Tulip Time are advised to call MAX at (616) 355-1010.

Route #2
Inbound changes
• Pine and 9th St. (:48) stop suspended and replaced by Pine & 3rd (:47)
• College & 9th St. (:49) stop suspended and replaced by 3rd E. of River (:48)
• No stops at 9th St. East of College (:49) and Columbia & 8th (Post Office) (:49)
Route #3
Outbound changes
• No stop at Columbia & 7th (:01)
• No stop at River & 7th (:04) – Temporary stop at Lincoln & 12th (:04)
• No stop at Maple & 8th (:06) – Temporary stop at Lincoln & 15th (:06)
• No stop at VanRaalte & 10th (:07) – Temporary stop at Lincoln & 24th (:07)
• No stop at VanRaalte & 13th (:07)
• No stop at VanRaalte & 16th (:09) – Temporary stop at Lincoln & 27th (:12)
• No stop at Harrison & 16th (:10) – Temporary stop at Lincoln & 32nd (:14)
• No stop at Ottawa & 16th (:10)
Inbound changes
• No stops on VanRaalte between 32nd & 18th -- Temporary stop at Pine & 32nd
• No stop at Columbia & 32nd (:41)
• No stop at Pine & 32nd (:40)
• No stop at Lincoln & 27th (:43)
• No stop at Lincoln & 24th (North of 24th) (:44)
• No stop at Lincoln & 15th (:45)
• No stop at Lincoln & 12th (:46)
Route #4
Outbound change
• No stop at Columbia & 8th (Post office) (:02)
Route #5
Outbound changes
No stops at:
• Central between 7th & 8th (:02)
• Central between 8th & 9th (:03)
• S. River & 12th (City Hall) (:05)
• Pine S. of 12th (Third Reformed) (:09)
• Pine S. of 15th (:07)
Temporary stops added at:
• Columbia & 16th (:06)
• Central & 16th (:08)
Inbound changes
No stops at:
• 21st & State (Evergreen Commons) (:43)
• 12th & River Ave. (Centennial Park) (:45)
• 9th & River Ave. (:46)
• River S. of 6th (:47)
• 6th E. of Central (:48)
• Columbia N. of 7th (:48)
Route #6
Outbound change
• No stop at Columbia & 8th (Post Office) (:04).
Route #7
Outbound changes
No stops at:
• Columbia & 11th (:02)
• 15th & Columbia (:03)

MAX will be observing the fourth annual “National Dump the Pump Day” on Thursday, June 18, by offering gifts to the first 400 fixed bus route passengers and serving refreshments at the Padnos Center from 2-4 p.m. It also will be showing its award-winning video, \"We\'ll Take You There,\" touting the benefits of MAX transit to the community in the Padnos Center lobby.

Dump the Pump is designed to encourage people to get out of their cars and ride public transportation to raise awareness of the benefits of transit. Public transportation has the ability to save people money, conserve gasoline, and reduce the harmful greenhouse gases emitted into the environment.

Inbound Route 6 and outbound Route 7 have been detoured due to severe road damage caused by heaving flooding and storms on June 19 that washed out sections of pavement and road. Portions of 24th Street are closed as is Lincoln between 16th and 24th Streets. Passengers are advised to note these changes, effective immediately.
Route 6 INBOUND detour:
• Waverly north to 24th St.
• West on 24th over US 31 to Apple Ave.
• South on Apple Ave. to 32nd St.
• 32nd St. west to Lincoln Ave.
• Lincoln Ave. north to 24th St.
• West on 24th to Columbia
• North on Columbia to 16th
• North on Fairbanks to resume normal inbound route to transfer center

Route 7 OUTBOUND detour:
• Lincoln south to 16th
• West on 16th to Columbia
• South on Columbia to 24th
• East on 24th to Lincoln
• South on Lincoln to resume normal outbound route

Passengers using the bus stop at Lincoln/24th-Urban Youth Center (:06) are advised to use the bus stop at 24th and Columbia. Questions regarding these route detours are advised to contact MAX customer service at (616) 355-1010.

(Holland, MI) July 6, 2009 – The Macatawa Area Express (MAX) Transportation Authority is doing what it can to buy local to help the lakeshore economy. MAX has taken delivery of a new 2010 Ford Hybrid Fusion 14 SEL as a staff service vehicle from a local car dealership and is having graphic decals applied by a local business.

The Fusion Hybrid was purchased from RE Barber Ford of Holland for $27,548. A Request for Proposals was sent to six area dealerships, and RE Barber Ford was awarded the sale in a competitive bid process. The vehicle was purchased with federal and state capital grants that MAX receives annually.

“Whenever possible, we try to funnel the federal, state and local taxpayer dollars received by MAX right back into the community by purchasing goods and services from local businesses,” said Sherri Betz, MAX marketing specialist. “The MAX Board also felt very strongly that we purchase a hybrid vehicle, which is consistent with our long range vision of creating a sustainable transit system.”

The silver Fusion Hybrid is a standard four-door mid-sized sedan that will be used by MAX staff for official business. It is equipped with a 2.5L 14 HEV engine with E-CVT automatic transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electrochromatic mirrors, regenerative braking system, and eco-friendly cloth seats. The estimated combined fuel economy for the Hybrid is 39 mpg.

Graphics Pro of Holland was selected to produce and apply MAX logo decals to the side doors so that the vehicle is identifiable as an official MAX vehicle.

(Holland, MI) July 6, 2009 – Most residents from Eastern Ottawa County communities are overwhelmingly supportive of increased public transit services in their communities and would support a millage to fund transportation services, according to the second phase of a study being conducted by Disability Network/Lakeshore.

Disability Network/Lakeshore last fall began conducting a study of unmet transportation needs of residents in Allendale, Blendon, Georgetown/Jenison, and Jamestown Townships and the City of Hudsonville.

Funded by a $99,897 Service Development and New Technologies grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation, the three-party study is designed to identify unmet transportation needs in Eastern Ottawa County, determine the impact of those unmet needs on residents and the communities, and to identify key messages for communicating the value of public transportation.

Hudsonville Mayor Don VanDoeselaar, who serves on the Eastern Ottawa Transit Study Workgroup, said the results of the study were helpful in verifying a real need for transportation in communities not served by public transit systems.

“The results that we have collected thus far have helped us understand that there is a need for public transportation in Eastern Ottawa County,” he said. “The study clearly demonstrates that people need transportation to and from medical and employment-related trips. It is really important that as we conclude this study and think about the future of our communities that we understand just how important public transportation is.”

The second phase of the study, which began in April, involved surveying 1,000 residents from the Eastern Ottawa County communities to gauge their need and support for public transit, familiarity with various transit systems, and identify messages for communicating the importance of public transportation.

Two-thirds (75%) of respondents said they were either very or somewhat supportive of public transportation services in Eastern Ottawa County, and 62% indicated they were supportive of a millage to fund transportation services. Nearly 500 residents added their names to a list of public transit supporters to be shared with their local officials.

The survey also found that the Rapid was the most well-known transit system among respondents, followed by Georgetown Seniors.

The first phase of the study began in the fall of 2008. Residents of Eastern Ottawa County with unmet transportation needs were interviewed. Of those interviewed, about one-third of those with unmet needs were seniors, 21% were prevented from finding, getting or keeping a job for lack of transportation, and just over half said their need was medical-related.

The final phase of the study will commence this fall, and involves preparing a presentation for elected officials from the communities included in the study. The presentation will educate local officials about the unmet transportation needs of their residents and encourage them to create a workgroup to develop a recommendations and an action plan to address those needs.

MAX will be conducting its annual passenger survey September 1-11, 2009 on all of its fixed routes. Passengers will be asked about their use of the fixed routes, routes used, service performance, driver courtesy, and demographic information. The survey will be tabulated and the results shared with the Authority Board. The survey will measure customer satisfaction with the fixed routes, and identify opportunities for improvement. The survey will be available in English and Spanish, and also may be completed online at MAX\'s website.

The MAX Transportation Authority Board at its August 24, 2009 monthly meeting voted unanimously to hire its own employees to operate the transit system rather than using contracted service providers, beginning July 1, 2010. MAX\'s contract with MV Transportation expires on June 30, 2010, and the board decided not to opt for an extension or issue a Request for Proposals to select another service provider.

This decision means that all operational staff, including drivers and supervisors, will be employees of the Authority. Much work needs to be done between now and July 1 to make the changeover. MV Transportation employees will have the opportunity to apply for the jobs with the Authority, and the Authority has expressed an interest in rehiring MV Transportation employees to run the transit system.

The Authority will continue to contract with the City of Holland for support services, including financial/payroll, human relations, technology services, and legal assistance.

The Authority\'s move to have its own employees manage operations could potentially save $422,000 over five years and would allow the Authority to have better control over cost efficiencies and the level of service provided to passengers.

At the August 24 meeting, the Board also voted to continue to levy a millage at .35 mills to operate the system. This is .5 mills less than what it is legally entitled to levy as voters approved a millage of up to .4 mills. The Board approved a $4.2 million budget for fiscal year 2010, which begins October 1, 2009.

In other news, the Board also announced that MAX will receive three federal New Freedom Grants totalling $322,000. The funding will be used to continue MAX\'s \"Night Owl\" reserved ride service from 7 p.m. to midnight, purchase GPS mobile data computers for buses in the fleet, and coordinate a Mobility Management study for transportation services in Ottawa County.

Seniors are invited to attend this year\'s SENIOR EXPO on Tuesday, September 12 from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, located at US31 and 24th Street in Holland. MAX will have a booth there along with nearly 100 other vendors available to answer your question and provide information on a wide range of products and services for those over 50. This is a free event, open to the public.

Visit MAX\'s booth to learn about riding the fixed bus routes for FREE, and how eligible passengers can use our reserved ride service. We\'ll also have information on our economical bus passes. Just for stopping by our booth, we\'ll have a free gift for you.

Senior Expo has over 100 providers of services and goods of interest to persons over 50! Get all the information you need at one location. Learn about senior housing, senior day services, in-home services, medical care, health screenings, diet and nutrition, excercise and wellness, senior transportation options, and much more! This wonderful event is organized by Julie Taylor of Tailored Sales & Marketing as a service to seniors in our community.

Max Transit is sponsoring its 5th Annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive Nov 9-Dec 1 to help restock the food pantry at Community Action House, which feeds more than 250,000 families in our local community each year.

Be a point of light in this season of giving! Pay it forward. Give thanks for what you have and be thankful you can help others. Donate one of several ways!

1) Kick off this year\'s food drive with our radio promotion at JQ99 Studios at 425 Centerstone Ct. in Zeeland. Food, fun, and more ! Bring your donations -- and the kids! 11 am-2 p.m. Nov. 9

2) Drop off donations at any of the collection points: The Padnos Center at 8th & Lincoln, MacMedia Studios, The Holland Sentinel, and JQ99 Radio.

3) Pay your fixed route bus fare with a donated item (valued at least $1) from Nov. 9-20. No cash for bus fare? Grab something from your pantry and hop aboard!

4) Bring donations to the PARADE OF LIGHTS Dec. 1 in downtown Holland. Our helper \"elves\" will be collecting your items curbside along the parade route using lit and decorated shopping carts. Look for MAX\'s decorated trolley at the beginning of the parade and get ready to give!

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
The Holland Sentinel
MacMedia (Mac-TV)
CharterMedia
JQ99 Radio
Spartan Stores



For information on how your family, scout or church group, company, business or organization can participate in our Stuff the Bus Food Drive, contact Sherri at (616) 928-2475.

MAX buses will not operate on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year\'s Day. Buses will operate from 6 am-7 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year\'s Eve; however, there will be no \"Night Owl\" service those evenings. For questions regarding our schedule, contact Customer Service at (616) 355-1010.

The Macatawa Area Express (MAX), the public transit system for the greater Holland/Zeeland area, will offer free rides on its eight fixed bus routes on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22.

This will be the eighth year that the MAX Transportation Authority has approved free rides on Earth Day to encourage more residents to ride the bus to help reduce vehicle emissions that create ground level ozone. MAX also gives free fixed route bus rides on all designated Clean Air Action Days, when particulate matter levels are high.

Seniors and ADA eligible passengers already ride the fixed routes for free everyday. The normal one-way fare for adult passengers is $1 and half price for children ages 5-17.
MAX also will be distributing Earth Day bumper stickers (“My other car is a MAX bus”) and “Save the Planet-Ride the Bus” promotional buttons on all of its fixed route buses.

MAX is giving FREE rides on all 8 fixed bus routes for everyone on Tuesday, May 4 for Election Day. MAX wants to encourage people to get to the polls and vote. Drivers will not question you on your destination and you are free to ride the bus to wherever you choose to go. Help save the plant and exercise your right to vote today, May 4.