About Us
The Macatawa Area Express (MAX) is a small urban transit system that has operated fixed bus routes and demand response service since 2000. The transit system is governed by an independent Authority formed under Public Act 196 on July 1, 2007, when the City of Holland transferred oversight to the Authority Board.
Transportation Authority Board
The Board of Directors is comprised of representatives appointed by the City of Holland and Holland Charter Township, and an ex-officio member appointed by the City of Zeeland and one appointed by Park Township…, and an ex-officio member appointed by the City of Zeeland and one appointed by Park Township, which contract for bus services under service agreements with the Authority. Board meetings are held at 3:30 p.m. the forth Monday of the month at MAX’s Operations Center.
Constructed in 2013, MAX’s Operations Center is located at 11660 Greenway Drive in Holland Township. MAX is funded primarily with federal and state funding, as well as a dedicated transit millage of 0.4 mills. Passenger fares also provide about 6 percent of total revenue for operations.
MAX employs approximately 80 full and part time staff, and is managed by an Executive Director, who reports to the Board.
MAX Transportation Authority Board Members
Russell TeSlaa – Chairperson, Holland Charter Township
Jason Latham – Treasurer, Macatawa Area Coordinating Council
Meika Weiss – Secretary, City of Holland
Nathan Bocks – Member, City of Holland
Kristin Myers – Member, Disability Network/Lakeshore
Kevin Klynstra – Ex-Officio, City of Zeeland
Jan Steggerda – Ex-Officio, Park Township
Margo Walters – Member, Holland Charter Township
Doug Becker – Member, Holland Charter Township
Doreen Sun – Student Advisor
MAX Staff
Ryan Novotny – Executive Director
Beth Higgs – Deputy Director/Marketing Manager
Juana Lopez – Administrative Assistant/Transit Specialist
Authority Board Schedule
NEXT MEETING
Monday, November 24, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Monday, January 27, 2025 – Public Notice
Monday, February 24, 2025
Monday, March 24, 2025
Monday, April 28, 2025
Monday, June 2, 2025 – Public Notice
Monday, June 23, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025
Monday, August 25, 2025
Monday, September 22, 2025
Monday, October 27, 2025 – CANCELLED
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, December 22, 2025
Agendas and Meeting Minutes
Board Agendas
Audits
Financials
Local Advisory Council (LAC)
The LAC is a citizen’s advisory council that reviews operational matters for the transit system and provides input and suggestions for improvements that would benefit transit users. Students, residents, older adults and people with disabilities who use the transit system are encouraged to volunteer to serve on the LAC.
Current LAC
Members
Interested in
Volunteering?
Print or submit your application online. For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator by CALLING or emailing paratransit@catchamax.org.
Quick Facts
- In 2019, Americans took 9.9 billion trips on public transportation.
- 34 million times each weekday, people board public transportation.
- Public transportation is a $93 billion industry that employs more than 430,000 people.
- Approximately 6,800 organizations provide public transportation in the United States.
- 45% of Americans have no access to public transportation.
- Millennials consider public transportation as the best option for digital socializing and among the best for connecting with communities.
Public Transportation Provides Economic Opportunities
- Every $1 invested in public transportation generates $5 in economic returns.
- Every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates approximately 50,000 jobs.
- Every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased business sales.
- Every $10 million in operating investment yields $32 million in increased business sales.
- An estimated $39 billion of public transit expenditures flow into the private sector.
- Home values were up to 24% higher near public transportation than in other areas. Hotels in cities with direct rail access to airports raise 11% more revenue per room than hotels in those cities without.
Public Transportation Is a Safer Way to Travel Than by Automobile
- Traveling by public transportation is 10 times safer per mile than traveling by automobile.
- A person can reduce his or her chance of being in an accident by more than 90% simply by taking public transit as opposed to commuting by car.
Public Transportation Saves Money
- The average household spends 16 cents of every dollar on transportation, and 93% of this goes to buying, maintaining, and operating cars, the largest expenditure after housing.
- A household can save more than $13,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car.
Public Transportation Reduces Gasoline Consumption
Public Transportation Reduces Carbon Footprint
Public Transportation Enhances Personal Opportunities
- 87% of trips on public transit have a direct impact on the local economy.
- Of all riders, 71% are employed and 7% are students.
- More than two-thirds of riders walk to their stop or station.
For more public transportation facts, see the Public Transportation Fact Book or APTA’s full research library.
Annual Reports
2018 Annual Report
Partnerships with local supports provides continued growth and expansion.
2017 Annual Report
MAX experiences success and expansion in 2017 with help from local support and community.
2016 Annual Report
Another year in the books! Check out how MAX has changed in the past year.
2015 Annual Report
MAX looks back at a very productive year filled with community involvement!
2014 Annual Report
MAX reflects on a productive year and looks forward to exciting improvements slated for FY2015-2016.
2013 Annual Report
MAX finished construction and began using it’s new operations facility in 2013, paving the way for improved service and future growth.
2012 Annual Report
Ridership continued to grow dramatically in 2012, leading to tweaks in routes.
2011 Annual Report
The community showed its support for MAX in the springtime millage elections, and in the significant increase of ridership this year.
2010 Annual Report
This past year, MAX enjoyed many positive changes and experiences. Please look through our 2010 Annual Report to learn more about our accomplishments and meet some of the people who use and work for the MAX Transit system.
2009 Annual Report
It has been a very busy year for MAX, and we’re excited about some new initiatives for 2010. MAX is on the move! We hope you’ll continue to follow us on our journey.
