Munson Healthcare is onboard with Bay Area Transit Authority’s Bayline service that launched June 25.
The health care system is among the sponsors for the free service that will run daily routes along Grand Traverse Bay and downtown every 15 minutes from Meijer on U.S. 31 to Woodland Creek Furniture in East Bay Township and back.
“We’re excited about helping sponsor this program because this ties into our green efforts around smart commuting and offers a very viable alternative for community residents, our nursing students, and staff to navigate the downtown region and access our Munson Medical Center campus,” said Steve Tongue, vice president of Facilities for Munson Healthcare. “We believe this can reduce traffic along the route, especially in the neighborhoods around the hospital.”
The Bayline begins daily at 7 a.m. at the Meijer Park and Ride and includes a total 30 stops on a route through the Grand Traverse Commons, along the hospital’s campus on Elmwood Avenue, West Front Street, Garland Street, State Street, East Front Street, Munson Avenue, U.S. 31, and ending in Acme at Woodland Creek. The service concludes at 11 p.m.
A special ribbon cutting ceremony for the route is planned at 9 a.m. on June 25 at BATA’s Hall Street Transfer Station.
BATA Executive Director Kelly Dunham said the transportation appreciates the health care system’s collaboration with her agency.
“Munson Healthcare’s support of public transportation for its employees, patients, and community is a shining example of creating a healthy community through partnerships,” she said. “Their financial support provides free rides on the Bayline, making the choice to ride public transportation even more compelling, and has far-reaching benefits at all levels.”
In addition to Munson Healthcare, other sponsors of the service include the Traverse City Parking Services / City of Traverse City, Traverse City Tourism, the National Cherry Festival, Traverse City Film Festival, the Downtown Development Authority, the Downtown Traverse City Association, and the East Bay Beach District.
A full list of schedules, maps, and other service information is available at BATA.net or by calling 231-941-2324.