The mascot for the Macatawa Area Express Transportation Authority.
HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) - Sometime this week, the Macatawa Area Express (MAX) anticipates reaching a major milestone: its 3,000,000 boarding since its inception in the year 2000.
To commemorate the event, the Holland area transit system has planned week long activities for "Passenger Appreciation Week." The public kickoff begins at 9:00am Monday at the Louis and Hellen Padnos Transportation Center in downtown Holland. The full schedule of Passenger Appreciation Week events includes:
Monday, January 16, 2012
Facebook "Catch 'em Riding" Photo Contest Begins, 6 a.m. Passengers are encouraged to post as many photos of themselves riding the bus on MAX's Facebook page all week. The subject of the photo with the most "likes" will be named the 3,000,000 passenger on Jan. 20.
Kickoff Celebration, 9:00 a.m., Padnos Center: Speakers include MAX Board Chairperson Polly Diehl, Congressman Bill Huizenga's District Director Greg VanWoerkom, Holland Mayor Kurt Dykstra, Holland Township Supervisor Terry Nienhuis, Holland Area Chamber of Commerce President Jane Clark, and Disability Network/Lakeshore Director Todd Whiteman.
Videotaping of Congratulatory Messages, 9:15-10 a.m., Padnos Center conference room.
Kick-off Ride, 9:50-10:50 a.m., Padnos Center: Guests at the kick-off celebration are invited to take a complimentary ride on the MAX on one of the fixed bus routes. MAX will be distributing "I'm ONE in 3,000,000" stickers to all passengers during the week.
Padnos Center Tour, 4-4:30 p.m., Padnos Center: Learn about the history of the Padnos Center and MAX on this short walking tour.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
"Make It a Green Year," 12:15 p.m., Herrick Public Library: A free public presentation Anne Saliers of the Holland Board of Public Works (BPW) and Sherri Cadeaux of MAX. Learn how to reduce your home energy use and transportation costs and reduce your carbon footprint on the earth. Attendees will receive a free reusable grocery bag or a green soccer tee shirt, compliments of the BPW and MAX.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
"2 for 1 Day," 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Residents are encouraged to give public transportation a try by riding with a friend. A guest rides the fixed routes for free with every full or half fare paying customer.
Padnos Center Tour, 4-4:30 p.m., Padnos Center: Learn about the history of the Padnos Center and MAX on this short walking tour.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
"Personal Safety Travel Trips," 1 p.m., Padnos Center: Holland Police Officer Nicole Hamberg of the Holland Police Department will give a free presentation on personal safety tips for pedestrians, runners, bicyclists and bus passengers as well as some Homeland Security precautions for public transportation.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Unveiling of the Symbolic 3,000,000th Passenger, 3 p.m., Padnos Center: MAX serves up complimentary cake and names its symbolic 3,000,000 passenger selected from its Facebook photo contest. Passengers all week are asked to post photos of them riding the bus on MAX's Facebook page. The subject of the photo with the most "likes" will be named the 3,000,000th passenger.
For more information, persons can visit www.catchamax.org or call MAX at (616) 355-1010.