The Rapid

As marketing and communications resource to the Interurban Transit Authority (The Rapid), ddm has provided services ranging from new bus designs, image campaign, community reports, airport services identity and website.

ddm has provided nearly four years of service to The Rapid under the current relationship (we also worked with GRATA prior to their conversion to their current status). During this current service time, The Rapid has enjoyed ongoing ridership growth, expansion of services and a successful millage campaign.

The Rapid has earned a high level of respect both in the West Michigan region, throughout the state and nationally for executing a consistent brand message. The general role of communications has been to nurture these positive actions into messages and interactions that not only continue to increase ridership, but also engender community support based on the value the system offers.

Based on analysis of ridership surveys and community awareness & perception studies, ddm has actively sought to integrate key messages such as the importance of public transportation for work purposes and economic growth for greater Grand Rapids into various applications. In addition, visual components such as bus and shelter designs have purposely been integrated with other prominent elements of the Grand Rapids community to reinforce the role The Rapid holds in relation to other key assets available to the community.