MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Michigan Flyer, an East Lansing based bus company, was recently awarded a grant of more than $500,000.

The grant will allow Michigan Flyer to operate on a more frequent basis when they transport residents to locations such as Ann Arbor or Detroit.

Lansing Airport was one of the groups opposed to the grant, claiming it would take customers away from them in favor of Michigan Flyer.

Michigan Flyer Vice President Ody Norkin said his company refuted the claim that they were a competitor to the Lansing Airport.

Norkin said he was excited about the grant because of the service they'll be able to provide for their customers, adding he believes they're the reason the grant was approved in the first place.

"I think that the reason that the Tri-county Commission eventually voted in favor of this is because of the out-pouring of support from the grass-roots travelers," said Norkin.

Michigan Flyer will begin operating on a more frequent basis this upcoming Fall.