City Council OKs

expanded Harbor Transit services

Tue, Nov 3, 2009    to del.icio.us

Grand Haven residents needing a lift to certain Grand Haven and Spring Lake townships' health care facilities will soon have an option at their convenience — the Harbor Transit service.

Grand Haven City Council members approved a memorandum of understanding with both townships that will allow the transportation agency to provide services to and from any medical facilities located across the street from Harbor Transit service limits.

"This is a good point of cooperation between the city and our adjacent neighbors," Councilwoman Geri McCaleb said, adding it will improve service for residents needing to get to medical facilities.

Currently, there are five medical facilities on the south side of Robbins Road in Grand Haven Township, including dental and chiropractic offices and a dialysis clinic; and two medical facilities — a dentist and family medical practice — located on the north side of Van Wagoner Road in Spring Lake Township. Previously, residents in need of transportation to these locations have been out of luck since the transit service only served the opposite sides of these roads.

People who need treatment at these facilities would either not get service or would have to walk across the street from a spot near the medical facility they want to go.

The newly approved expansion does not include transportation to medical facilities outside Harbor Transit's service streets.

Councilman Mike Fritz called the development the beginning of other opportunities with the communities for service.

"At least it is a start for us working together," he said.

Mayor Roger Bergman shared Fritz's sentiments, saying the latest development with Harbor Transit and the two townships were a good example of the two entities working together to provide comprehensive service for local residents.

"It is a step in the right direction," he said.