Navigating MAX Transit

We get many inquiries in the Resource Center about transportation. To help you get around Holland, the city has a small urban transit system called The Macatawa Area Express (MAX) that has operated fixed bus routes and demand response service since 2000. MAX offers a variety of bus stops throughout the city convenient for medical appointments, the grocery store, the library, a friend’s house, or Evergreen Commons!  So, if you need public transportation, MAX is the way to go! 

Benefits of Transit

Where public transportation goes, community grows. Beyond the obvious benefit of getting people where they want and need to go, public transportation provides communities with a plethora of social, economic and environmental benefits. 

Here’s the Top 3 Reasons to Ride MAX Transit 

1. Access to Vital Services: Public transit allows people to remain mobile, engaged, and connected. It provides access to jobs, medical visits, shopping, and educational and social opportunities for those who cannot drive, choose not to, or cannot afford the costs of a personal vehicle.
2. Increased Safety: According to the National Safety Council, using public transit is safer than a car. In fact, riding the bus is 170 times safer than traveling in a car!
3. Support for the Local and State Infrastructure: Public transportation is an essential part of a community’s infrastructure, providing the means and freedom of travel and independence for many local residents. MAX provides almost 500,000 rides to area residents yearly. 

Navigating the Transit System

MAX operates hourly fixed bus routes and an evening Twilight Route Monday through Friday. There is no Sunday service. All buses depart from the Padnos Transportation Center located at 8th Street and Lincoln at the top of the hour every hour. They return to the transfer center fifty minutes later to allow for passenger transfers. Wait for the bus directly at the bus stop sign or shelter so the driver will see you and stop. See Service Area Map  HERE.

MAX Routes 

MAX Fixed Transit System currently has 11 routes that get you as far north as Quincy St, east to Zeeland, west to 144th , and south 48th street. Route maps are located online, or you may pick one up at the Padnos Transportation Center. Bus routes run from 6am-7pm (The last bus departs at 6pm to complete the run by 7pm.)  Cost for these routes as of February 2025: 

$1.15 Adults (ages 18-64) 

$0.50 Youth (ages 5-17) 

$0.50 Seniors (ages 65+)       

$0.50 Medicare cardholders 

$0.50 ADA cardholders 

Making Reservations 

Reserve a Max will pick you up right at your doorstep. Reservations must be made by 4pm the day prior to travel. Unfortunately, MAX cannot accommodate same day reservations or ride changes. This service is available Monday-Friday, 6am-7pm and Saturdays 9am-4pm.  Cost for these rides as of February 2025: 

$5.50 Adults (ages 18-64)     

$2.30 Youth (ages 5-17)         

$2.30 Seniors (ages 65+) 

$5.50 Medicare cardholders   

$2.30 ADA Cardholders

Reduced Fares

To receive reduced fares, individuals must qualify for the ADA program or the Half Fare program. Passengers must undergo a free application process provided by MAX to determine eligibility. To request an application, please contact Customer Service at (616) 355-1010. They also offer 7- or 30-Day Fixed Route rates and punch cards. 

Empowered to Go Where You Need

MAX Transit offers a free Travel Training Program for people who would like to learn to use the MAX Services. MAX’s travel trainer will work with you one-on-one to teach you how to: 

1. Read the service area map & schedules 

2. Plan your trip 

3. Reserve a ride 

4. Pay your fare 

5. Reach your destination