The result of a partnership between the city of Walker, GVSU and the Rapid Bus System, for three years the Park and Ride lot has been available for GVSU students to park their cars in and then hitch a ride to campus from the nearby bus stop. But the lack of legal parking spaces has led many commuters to illegally create the own parking spots, often blocking or boxing in other parked cars.

Two years ago, GVSU explored the possibility of purchasing a lot near the Walker Fire Station to expand parking, but the university ultimately decided against the purchase. But Pew Campus and Regional Centers Operations Manager Erin Babson said GVSU is constantly on the hunt for additional park and ride properties.

“We are always looking for more locations,” she said. “We have not found a perfect location yet, but once we do, absolutely, we would love to buy more land.”

Babson also stressed that the Walker lot is not the university’s only park and ride location. In addition to the 97 parking spaces at Walker, the Standale Meijer also allows commuter students to use its parking lot. Babson claimed there is “no limit” to the number of open spaces at the Meijer.

“Students for some reason are not going over to the Meijer park and ride lot,” she said. “There are always spots over there.”

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