By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist
Grand Rapids, Wednesday, June 10, 2026: This summer, getting between Uptown and Downtown Grand Rapids will be easier than ever.
Beginning Saturday, June 20, and continuing every Saturday through August 8, Uptown GR, Inc. will offer Summer Shuttle Saturdays, a free transportation service designed to offer visitors and residents a connection between two of the city’s most vibrant destinations.
Operating from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. each Saturday, the service will feature two 14-passenger shuttles running continuously between Uptown and Downtown GR. Riders will be able to traverse between two pickup points: Downtown, at the southwest corner of the Fulton/Sheldon intersection; in Uptown, on Cherry Street between Diamond and Eastern Streets.
The new service is intended to make exploring Grand Rapids more convenient while encouraging visitors to discover the independent businesses, restaurants, entertainment venues, and neighborhood experiences that make Uptown a unique destination.
The launch comes as Grand Rapids prepares for increased visitor traffic and activity surrounding major Downtown events and investments, including the city’s new riverfront amphitheater. Uptown leadership sees the shuttle program as an opportunity to connect visitors with its local businesses while strengthening ties between the city’s commercial districts.
“Whether someone is visiting Downtown for an event or spending time in Uptown, we want to make it easy to explore both districts and support the incredible local businesses that make our entire city special.” said Ingrid Miller, President and CEO, Uptown GR, Inc.
In addition to providing a convenient transportation option, the program will help the organization to better understand visitor travel patterns and consumer mobility preferences by providing valuable insights that can inform future transportation and economic development initiatives.
Summer Shuttle Saturdays advances all four of Uptown GR, Inc’s strategic priorities: To Invite (by attracting people through placemaking and activities that increase the desirability and vibrancy of Uptown), to Thrive (by sustaining economic growth and creating opportunities for local businesses while preserving the distinct character of each business district), to Move (by helping people of all ages travel freely and safely between destinations), and to Organize (by coordinating partnerships and resources that improve experiences for visitors, businesses, and neighborhoods alike).
Summer Shuttle Saturdays is funded by Uptown GR, Inc. through the Uptown Corridor Improvement Authority with support from the City of Grand Rapids Economic Development Department and in collaboration with Mobile GR.
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Uptown consists of four business districts: Eastown, East Fulton, Wealthy Street, and East Hills. The district is also home to five residential neighborhoods: Baxter, East Hills, Eastown, Fulton Heights, and Midtown. In all climates, UGRI celebrates its mission: to bring together people, partnerships, and possibilities to sustain a strong and vibrant urban district through planning, coordinating, and communicating with and between all sectors of the Uptown community and beyond.
For more information about this and all things Uptown, please contact Ingrid Miller.