A downtown Grand Rapids bus platform now has a new name — and the location is particularly fitting.
The Rapid dedicated the northbound DeVos Place Station on Monroe Avenue as the Rosalynn Bliss Platform on Thursday, Sept. 17, honoring the former Grand Rapids mayor for a decade of service on The Rapid Board of Directors and her work on public transportation and regional mobility.
The platform sits near Grand Rapids City Hall, where Bliss served as mayor for a decade, from 2016 through 2026, after serving on the City Commission.
Bliss joined The Rapid Board in 2014 while serving as a city commissioner and continued through 2024, including during her tenure as mayor.
During those years, The Rapid launched the Laker Line Bus Rapid Transit route connecting downtown Grand Rapids, the Medical Mile and Grand Valley State University; advanced investments in cleaner fleet technology; and expanded rider amenities.
Bliss also advocated for transportation as part of broader regional discussions around housing, workforce development, walkability, accessibility and neighborhood connectivity.
“Public transit plays a critical role in creating strong, connected communities,” Bliss said at Thursday’s dedication.
Deb Prato, CEO of The Rapid, said Bliss consistently connected transit investment with economic opportunity.
“Through her service on The Rapid Board, she consistently advocated for investments that connected people to jobs, education, healthcare, and opportunity,” Prato said. “Her collaborative approach helped strengthen transit across all six cities, and this recognition is a fitting tribute to her lasting impact on our community and agency.”
