Bus service starts strong in first month

The Interurban Transit Authority picked up or dropped off 833 people in Laketown Township during the first month of a trial service.

About half of the riders were adults and the other half children during May, the township reported at its June 11, 2025, board of trustees meeting.

“The first month of our pilot program was a great success. We provided transportation for several school children to and from Saugatuck Public Schools, as well as many residents traveling to Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville,” said Becky Carten-Crandell, executive director of the transit authority.

“Each rider expressed their appreciation for the service,” she said. “I will be excited to see the ridership numbers for June.”

Popular stops

The popular pickup and drop-off sites include Sand Castle Estates off 64^th Street, the Creekwood area on 65^th Street and 66^th Street north of 140^th Avenue, 64^th Street north of 146^th Avenue, Sailview Drive, and the Shangrai-La Mobile Home Park, 6180 Blue Star Highway.

Bus service began in Laketown Township on May 1 for a trial period through Oct. 31. The goal is to collect data to provide the township board with a factual basis so it can determine whether or not the township will support continuing the service after the test period.

If the trial is a success, the township may look at permanent funding in 2026, possibly with a millage.

“We have received quite a bit of correspondence and public comments at meetings from residents who really appreciate the board of trustees for bringing the Interurban service into Laketown. The board of trustees would like all Laketown residents to send us your thoughts on the Interurban bus service in Laketown,” said Supervisor and Interim Township Manager Steven Ringelberg.

Call (616) 335-3050 or send comments to office@laketowntwp.org.

Costs

The fare for a ride during standard hours is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children, seniors and those with disabilities.

Laketown is paying the Interurban $7 per ride to cover the Interurban’s expenses. The cost to Laketown Township to cover the transportation experiment is included in the budget the township unanimously approved in March.

People who want a ride call (269) 857-1418 and set a time for a bus to pick them up at their location and then take them to another spot in Laketown Township, Saugatuck Township, the cities of Douglas, Saugatuck or Fennville and the wineries in Ganges Township.

The Interurban also provides prescription delivery services from Saugatuck Drug Store, 201 Butler St., for $2 and food delivery services from many Saugatuck-Douglas restaurants for a $3 charge.

Regular bus service hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Extended hours in June, July and August include Friday and Saturday evenings until 11 p.m. $3 fare per adult.

For more on costs and other information, visit here.