Public transit system to extend service to Ottawa County's Fillmore Campus
The two-year pilot program will improve access to government services, many of which are concentrated in West Olive, officials say.
GRAND HAVEN — The public transportation system serving Ferrysburg, Grand Haven and Spring Lake is extending service to the Ottawa County Fillmore Campus in West Olive.
The two-year pilot program will improve access to government services, said Scott Borg, executive director at Harbor Transit.
“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,” Borg said.
“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.”
Harbor Transit will extend service to and from the Fillmore Campus from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028. The rides will be free until Dec. 31, 2026.
Rides will be available 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday. To schedule a ride, use the Lakeshore Go app or call 616-842-3200.
Ottawa County in recent years consolidated the Family Division of the 20th Circuit Court to the Family Justice Center on the Fillmore Campus.
Other services relocated to the Fillmore Campus include Juvenile Court Services, Friend of the Court, the Legal Self-Help Center, and Circuit Court Records. Veterans Services will move its office from Holland to the Fillmore Campus later this summer.
Also on the Fillmore Campus are the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, County Jail and Juvenile Detention Center, as well as the County Treasurer and Clerk/Register of Deeds offices.
“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.”
Harbor Transit is funded by the federal government, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and local millages. It operates ADA-accessible buses and averages about 13,500 rides per month. In March, it broke ground on a new operations center on 172nd Avenue between Walmart and Aldi.
— Submitted by Ottawa County and Harbor Transit. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
