Tripling of insurance premiums confronts bus drivers in labor dispute
The cost of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan coverage for The Rapid drivers is proposed to spike 49 percent Oct. 1, pushing up monthly premiums for family coverage by $669.

The Rapid photo via Facebook

The Rapid photo via Facebook
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Bus drivers embroiled in an ongoing labor dispute over their retirement plan may get hit with health insurance hikes of up to 329 percent if they don't come to terms on a new contract with The Rapid by this fall, MLive reported.
The cost of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan coverage is proposed to spike 49 percent Oct. 1, pushing up monthly premiums for family coverage by $669, the report said.
Because a 5-year-old state law prohibits public employers from paying any increase in wages or health benefits after a labor pact expires, the full increase in cost would be borne by Rapid workers – spiking the monthly premium for workers with family coverage from the $218 paid this year to $887, according to MLive.
More Bus

Scenes from APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
Transit leaders, manufacturers, and industry professionals gathered in Chicago to explore new technologies, share ideas, and discuss the future of public transportation.
Read More →
More Than a Summer Job: Building the Next Generation of Transit Talent
The Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO have transformed their internship program into a hands-on professional development experience that introduces students to the breadth of transportation careers — and creates a pipeline for future employees.
Read More →
LA Metro Board Awards 220 Battery-Electric Bus Contract to ENC
The contract, which is the largest base award of battery-electric buses by a U.S. transit agency, will be built in Southern California, sustaining good jobs as LA prepares to welcome the world in 2028
Read More →
Public Transit Conference Returning to GFX in 2027, Call for Papers Now Open
The Call for Papers is now open, allowing transit agency professionals and industry experts to help shape the PTC educational program by submitting session ideas for consideration.
Read More →
Indian River Transit’s Community-Focused Approach Earns National Recognition
Named APTA’s 2026 Outstanding Public Transportation System in its size category, Florida’s Indian River County transit system continues to grow ridership through fare-free service and a focus on evolving community needs.
Read More →
ENC Lands MATA Contract and More in Biz Briefs
In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.
Read More →
From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →
Everett Transit, Community Transit Outline Consolidation Agreement
The proposed agreement calls for a 50% increase in bus service in Everett, a new microtransit zone, continued paratransit service, and the transfer of Everett Transit operations to Community Transit.
Read More →
SEPTA Details Accelerate Vision for Transit System
The plan outlines investments in trolley modernization, new Metro and Regional Rail vehicles, accessible stations, and more frequent bus and rail service.
Read More →
Report: Transit Bus Manufacturing Supports 34,100 Jobs, $5.1B in GDP
The “Buses Mean Business” report examines the transit bus manufacturing industry’s economic footprint, supply chain, and rising demand for vehicle replacements.
Read More →