|
Harbor Transit is launching a pilot program to extend service to the Ottawa County Fillmore Campus in West Olive, improving access for individuals who do not have reliable ways to reach critical appointments and government services. Beginning July 1, Harbor Transit will offer free rides to and from the Fillmore Campus through December 31, 2026.
The Fillmore Campus will serve as a Harbor Transit extension point. Rides will be available during regular service hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am to 6:00pm; Saturday, 9:00am to 4:00pm; and Sunday, 8:00am to 12:30pm. Individuals can schedule rides using the Lakeshore Go mobile or desktop app, or by calling Harbor Transit at 616-842-3200. All Harbor Transit vehicles are ADA accessible. Rides are available to the Fillmore Campus only; Harbor Transit cannot provide trips to other locations in West Olive.
In recent years, Ottawa County has consolidated the Family Division of the 20th Circuit Court to the Family Justice Center on the Fillmore Campus. The new building also includes Juvenile Court Services, Friend of the Court, the Legal Self-Help Center, and Circuit Court Records, which were previously housed in Harbor Transit’s service area at the Grand Haven Courthouse. Additionally, Veterans Services will move its office from Holland to the Fillmore Campus later this summer. These newly relocated offices, along with the existing Juvenile Detention Center, Jail, Sheriff’s Office, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, and other services will benefit from access to public transportation.
“Prior to this service extension, residents needing to travel to the Fillmore Campus for critical appointments had no access to public transportation, creating a significant barrier for individuals without reliable personal transportation,” shares Scott Borg, Executive Director at Harbor Transit. “This extension ensures that all residents have the opportunity to utilize public transit services to access essential appointments and reach their destinations safely and reliably.”
“For many Northwest Ottawa County area residents, Harbor Transit is an important connection to work, appointments, and public services,” said Ottawa County Board Chair Josh Brugger, whose district includes much of the area. “As many County services shift to the Fillmore Campus, this pilot helps make sure residents still have a reliable way to reach the help they need.”
|
