Rider
Resources

Courtesy Rules

It is the policy of MAX Transit to promote a safe and secure environment for all passengers and MAX Transit staff. To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience while using our bus services, shelters, bus stops, and all MAX facilities, we ask that you abide by our Passenger Courtesy Rules.

Please be aware that all MAX vehicles and facilities are equipped with surveillance video cameras, which are meant to keep everyone safe.

The following are examples of behaviors and activities that are prohibited:

You must pay the correct fare when riding. Have ticket, farecard or money ready prior to getting on the bus.
Reduced fare/specialized fare holders must show operator proper identification to use reduced fare.
Assaulting a bus operator is a criminal offense. All violators will be prosecuted.
Proper attire, including shirts and shoes, must always be worn.
MAX is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Unauthorized property left without permission will be removed.
Smoking any kind of tobacco product, carrying a lighted or smoldering tobacco product or using any type of electronic cigarettes or vaporizers except in designated areas.
Distributing or selling counterfeit or stolen fare media.
Selling or misusing fare media.
Boarding any bus through the rear exit door unless told to do so by authorized personnel.
Leaving bags or packages unattended.
Blocking aisle ways with inanimate objects.
Listening to any audio device without headsets/earbuds.
Taking more than one seat.
Riding in front of the yellow standee line.
Customers are limited only to items that can be boarded in a single trip. Items should be kept on their lap or on the floor, out of the aisle way.
Refusal to collapse strollers and carts and placing between the seats. The aisle way and back door must remain clear.
Using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs except for lawfully possessed and unopened alcoholic beverages. Smoking within 25 feet of the MAX vehicles.
Using aerosols or sprays (cologne, air fresheners, etc.).
Carrying open food and beverage containers or consuming food and beverage in vehicles.
Bags of returnable cans are not allowed on the bus. Leaking bags or containers of any size are also prohibited.
Possession of weapons of any kind, except as permitted by law.
Panhandling, soliciting, harassing, annoying, or intimidating any person.
Disorderly conduct, loud, yelling, or disruptive behavior.
Assault, threat of assault, fighting, mock fighting, or roughhousing.

Running or playing.
Throwing or playing with objects.
Spitting, littering, picking trash from receptacles.
Damaging or defacing property.
Using obscene, abusive, profane, threatening, inciting, insulting language or gestures.
Bicycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, use of scooters or Mopeds or similar devices on the MAX premises or vehicles. Passengers are permitted to bring bicycles on the bike rack and foldable scooters on the bus. If the scooter is electric, it must have an on/off switch and have the power turned off to board the MAX vehicles. No electric bikes will be permitted as they exceed the weight limit of the bike racks.
Use or possession of hoverboards or Segways.
Standing, sitting, or walking in a way that inconveniences, obstructs, or interferes with others (e.g., blocking doors, feet on seats, obstructing stairs, corridors, platforms, or stations in any manner).
Strollers/carts must yield to passengers with mobility devices in securement areas. Strollers/carts much be collapsible. Wagons are not permitted.
Any actions that may interfere with or disrupt bus operators or customers.
Animals, except those used as ADA service animals or transported in a suitable crate or carrier.
Tampering with any equipment.
Possession of hazardous, explosive, flammable, or corrosive materials such as gasoline, propane, kerosene, poisonous substances, storage batteries, acids, or alkalis.
Urinating or defecating other than in designated restrooms.
Boarding the MAX vehicles or entering MAX premises with lice, fleas, or bed bugs.
Sleeping at any MAX property.
Trespassing or unauthorized presence.
Engaging in unauthorized commercial activity.
Posting or affixing signs, advertisements, circulars, handbills, or written material.
Disobeying or disregarding notices, prohibitions, instructions, or directions on any sign posted.
Failure or refusal to comply with any lawful order or direction of any MAX employee, security officer, or any Road Supervisor.
Any other act or behavior that creates an unsafe condition.
Any other acts prohibited by law.

Follow the Rules or Risk Expulsion and/or Suspension.

If you violate these rules or other federal, state, or local laws on or at a MAX vehicle or property, MAX Transit personnel and partner agencies are authorized to evict you from the bus/property and/or ban you from riding and/or allowed on MAX property for a specific period of time. You may receive verbal notice or written notice of suspension or expulsion from MAX Transit personnel or its partner agencies. Failure to comply with either may subject you to loss of riding privileges, arrest, and/or prosecution for criminal trespass.

You can obtain more information about MAX Transit appeal procedures and process by contacting MAX Customer Service at 616-355-1010.

ADA Resources

MAX Transit offers various ADA resources to passengers with disabilities. People with disabilities may request a free ADA application to determine if they qualify for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligibility and priority service. Individuals must complete the application with their portion completed in full and then have a medical professional, of their choice, complete the Medical Verification portion of the application. Once an application is completed and turned it, the ADA assessor will review and respond with the findings. Any applicant who disagrees with their determination can request an appeal.

Individuals with Disabilities that do not need access to priority service (Reserve-A-MAX), may also apply to qualify for the Half Fare Program to continue to receive the reduced fares on the Fixed Routes.

To request an ADA application, call MAX Customer Service at
(616) 355-1010.

…

Visitors from other transit systems who have been deemed eligible can use the MAX services for 21 days without needing to undergo the application process through MAX. The passenger must present either their ADA ID from the other transit system, or the other transit system’s information. Without an ID or confirmation from the system MAX will not be able to prove that the rider has been previously deemed ADA paratransit eligible.

MAX Transit provides reasonable modifications to individuals with disabilities by making changes to policies, practices, and procedures if needed, as long as the modification would not cause a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or result in fundamental alterations of service.

Examples of reasonable modifications are, but not limited to, the bus operator slightly adjusts a boarding location so a person using a wheelchair may safely board from an accessible location. Another example may be if a passenger requests to take medication while aboard the vehicle. Transit staff may not provide medical assistance as this would be a fundamental alteration of their function.

If any materials are needed in additional accessible formats, please contact our ADA Coordinator at (616) 928-2479, or our Customer Service Team at (616) 355-1010, with your request and we will provide those requests as quickly as possible.

We also offer customized, one-on-one travel training for those with special developmental or physical needs. To inquire about upcoming classes and to register, or to schedule individual travel training, call (616) 355-1010 or contact us.

Supports the Local and State Infrastructure

View/Download the appeal policy here

MAX ADA Appeal Policy and Request Form

ADA No-Show & Late Cancellation Policy

View/Download the no-show/late cancel policy here

ADA No-Show & Late Cancellation Policy

ADA Complaint Procedure

Any citizen who feels that their Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rights have been violated alleging any action prohibited by 49 CFR Parts 27, 37, 38 and 39 may file a complaint with the Macatawa Area Express (MAX) please file a complaint with these resources.

ABOUT US

MAX Literature

You can get MAX Transit literature at the Holland Depot located downtown at 171 Lincoln Ave. Holland, visitor information centers, and some surrounding businesses.

You can also call customer service at (616) 355-1010 to request brochures to be mailed to you.

Master Brochure English

Master Brochure Spanish

Reserve-A-MAX Brochure English

Reserve-A-MAX Brochure Spanish

Bike & Bus

More people enjoy the freedom and fun that comes from being able to use public transportation and also ride their bike. Bringing a bike on the bus puts more destinations in reach by allowing riders to cycle to their final destination. Some enjoy this option for the exercise and some enjoy it because they know they are taking extra steps to help preserve the environment, reduce traffic and congestion, and reduce CO2 omissions.

…

MAX’s fixed route bus system is accessible and easy to use. Monday through Friday, the transit system operates eight hourly day-time routes (Routes 1-8). There is no Fixed Route service on Saturdays, Sundays or major holidays. Riders can board the bus at any of the 400+ bus stops throughout the Holland/Zeeland area. All buses return to the Padnos Transportation Center in downtown Holland at the top of each hour (:50), and depart again at the beginning of the next hour (:00). This allows passengers to transfer to another route and/or take a rest stop.

BIKES RIDE FREE! All MAX buses have double or triple-loading bike racks on the front of the bus that can accommodate most standardized two wheeled bikes and children’s bikes. Heavier, motorized and three-wheeled bikes cannot be accommodated. If you are first to use the rack, place your bike on the inner rack closest to the bus. If the bike rack is full, wait for another bus or catch another route. Only foldable bikes are allowed inside the bus.

Bike & Bus

BIKES RIDE FREE

…

MAX’s fixed route bus system is accessible and easy to use. Mondays through Saturdays, the transit system operates nine hourly day-time routes (Routes 1-8 & 11), and 2 evening routes. There is no service on Sundays or major holidays. Riders can board the bus at any of the 400+ bus stops throughout the Holland/Zeeland area. All buses return to the Padnos Transportation Center in downtown Holland at the top of each hour (:50), and depart again at the beginning of the next hour (:00). This allows passengers to transfer to another route and/or take a rest stop.

BIKES RIDE FREE! All MAX buses have double or triple-loading bike racks on the front of the bus that can accommodate most standardized two wheeled bikes and children’s bikes. Heavier, motorized and three-wheeled bikes cannot be accommodated. If you are first to use the rack, place your bike on the inner rack closest to the bus. If the bike rack is full, wait for another bus or catch another route. Only foldable bikes are allowed inside the bus.

Using the Bike Racks

1. Remove or stow all loose items

2. Stay curbside until the bus stops

3. Lift the handle and pull down to release the rack

4. Lift your bike and place the wheels in the slots

5. Pull down the arm securement over the tire to secure

6. Ask the driver if you need assistance.

Click here to view the bike trail map within our service area!

Holiday Schedule

MAX does not offer service on the following major holidays, thank you for your understanding.

Memorial Day

Monday, May 26th, 2025

Independence Day

Friday, July 4th, 2025

Labor Day

Monday, September 1st, 2025

Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 27th, 2025

Christmas Eve

Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 – Service Ends at 4pm

Christmas Day

Thursday, December 25th, 2025

New Years Eve

Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 – Service Ends at 4pm

New Years Day

Thursday, January 1st, 2025

Lakeshore Ride Link

Do you have a need for transportation within the West Michigan area? You can view all of your options from public and private transportation providers online at www.lakeshoreridelink.org. This website lists all transportation options for Allegan, Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa Counties. You can view specific services offered, the type of fare needed, and contact information. If you have any questions with setting up transportation through Lakeshore Ride Link, you’re encouraged to call 2-1-1 from your phone and speak to a representative. If you have a question related to MAX Transit specifically, you can call our Customer Service team at (616) 355-1010.

LAKESHORE RIDE