Harbor Transit Has A New Look

Harbor Transit is launching a two-year pilot program, beginning on July 1, 2026, to extend service to the Ottawa County Fillmore Campus in West Olive, improving access for individuals who do not have reliable ways to reach critical appointments and government services. For the first six months of the program, Harbor Transit will offer free rides to and from the Fillmore Campus, through December 31, 2026.

The Fillmore Campus will serve as a Harbor Transit extension point. Rides will be available during regular service hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am to 6:00pm; Saturday, 9:00am to 4:00pm; and Sunday, 8:00am to 12:30pm. Individuals can schedule rides using the Lakeshore Go mobile or desktop app, or by calling Harbor Transit at 616-842-3200. All Harbor Transit vehicles are ADA accessible. Rides are available to the Fillmore Campus only; Harbor Transit cannot provide trips to other locations in West Olive.

In recent years, Ottawa County has consolidated the Family Division of the 20th Circuit Court to the Family Justice Center on the Fillmore Campus. The new building also includes Juvenile Court Services, Friend of the Court, the Legal Self-Help Center, and Circuit Court Records, which were previously housed in Harbor Transit’s service area at the Grand Haven Courthouse. Additionally, Veterans Services will move its office from Holland to the Fillmore Campus later this summer. These newly relocated offices, along with the existing Juvenile Detention Center, Jail, Sheriff’s Office, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, and other services will benefit from access to public transportation.

Beginning on October 1, 2024, Harbor Transit riders purchasing ride credits with a credit/debit card will incur a small service fee charged by a third party electronic payment processing company.

Currently, riders can purchase ride credits with a credit or debit card through the Lakeshore Go app, through Harbor Transit’s website at www.harbortransit.org/fares, or in person at our facility with a card, cash, or check. A service fee is charged for each electronic payment transaction, and will be charged automatically. Riders do not have to perform any additional actions when purchasing ride credits. 

The service fees are as follows:

• In-Person Payment with a Credit/Debit card = 2.95% + $0.50 service fee per transaction
• Online Payment or Lakeshore Go Payment with a Credit/Debit card = 2.9% + $0.30 service fee per transaction 

The good news is, there are several ways that riders can reduce electronic payment service fee charges:

• Purchase a Monthly Pass if you are a frequent rider.
• Purchase a “Bundle” of ride credits (they come in the amounts of $9, $18, or $27), or purchase your ride credits in bulk for any other amount of your choosing. 
• Pay with cash or a check at our facility at 440 N Ferry Street to avoid incurring any fees at all. Your ride to and from Harbor Transit to add ride credits to your account will be free.

With a fleet of 29 accessible buses, Harbor Transit is committed to providing affordable and convenient transportation to all of our Tri-Cities residents. Since 1975, we’ve provided transportation for thousands of passengers going to work, school, medical appointments, and other important destinations.