GRTC

The pumpkins at GRTC 😊

On Monday, October 21, GRTC cut the ribbon on a new 7.75 mile extension of Route 1 service, connecting Downtown Richmond directly to Virginia Center Commons. This new service is made possible thanks to a $4.4 Million investment from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. It adds 36 new stops to GRTC’s most popular fixed route bus, with direct connections to key destinations including J Sargeant Reynolds Community College - and overlapping service with Ashland LINK to provide a seemless connection to the Town of Ashland, Virginia the Henrico Sports & Events Center, and more. The ribbon cutting featured an introduction from GRTC’s Henry Bendon, MPA and remarks from DRPT’s Tiffany Dubinsky, AICP, GRTC Board Chair and Henrico County Supervisor Tyrone Nelson, and Henrico County Supervisor Roscoe Cooper.

The GRTC Board of Directors announced today that Cherika Ruffin has been selected as the next Executive Director of RideFinders. Cherika was appointed interim director 10 months ago and has excelled in the position since then. In less than a year, she made moves to strengthen relationships with the Tri-Cities region and Crater Planning District Commission, launched a new carpool program, finalized the Commuter Assistance Program Strategic Plan (CAPSP), and worked with GRTC to promote new projects and services across Central Virginia. Under her guidance, RideFinders staff played a critical role in the successful launch and promotion of GRTC’s new LINK Microtransit Service and this also serves as even more evidence of her excellence in the position and fit as a permanent Director. GRTC CEO Sheryl Adams celebrated the news, describing Cherika as a fabulous partner. “I look forward to Cherika’s continued leadership at Ridefinders as our organizations continue to work together to provide sustainable and affordable transit options for travelers across the region.”  

GRTC’s award-winning Pulse Bus Rapid Transit system is on track for several major expansions. Projects to extend the existing Pulse West to Parham Rd and create a second 12-mile North-South Pulse are both entering phase 2 of public engagement for conceptual design this month – with public meetings and pop-up sessions planned for September and early October across the region. The North-South Pulse project’s preliminary engagement will include three pop-up sessions along the future route and a public meeting at Richmond Main Street station on Monday, September 16, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and a virtual public meeting on Thursday, September 19, from 12 pm to 1 pm. The Western Extension Pulse project will host its first public meeting on Tuesday, October 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Libbie Mill Library. For more information about GRTC Pulse projects, visit ridegrtc.com/brt/expansion and click the specific project for details. You can also join us at one of these pop up events to share your thoughts about the North-South Pulse project: Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 9:30 AM-12:00 PM at St. Paul’s Catholic Church Food Pantry (909 Rennie Avenue)  Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM at the GRTC Downtown Transfer Station (8th Street and Clay Street)  Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 3:00-6:00 PM at Hull Street Branch – Richmond Public Library (1400 Hull Street) 

Today, the GRTC Board of Directors voted to advance site 9, the former site of the Public Safety Building, as the future location of GRTC’s Downtown Transfer Hub. The move requests the City transfer control of the parcel to the Economic Development Authority and establishes GRTC as the project manager for continued development activities on the site. The location is well suited for future transfer usage, conveniently close to the existing and planned GRTC Pulse lines and the fixed route network, and adjacent to the temporary Downtown Transfer Station, which will continue operating until the new site is ready for service. “This is an exciting step, as it will allow GRTC to continue moving forward with design, outreach, and sourcing of financial partners for a modern transit facility with dynamic mixed-use development,” said GRTC Chief of Staff Adrienne Torres, who will serve as the agency’s representative on a special Transfer Hub task force. “This project will be a focal point for development in Downtown Richmond – we imagine this site with hundreds of homes, retail, community space, and amazing transit service to continue supporting the revitalization of our Downtown and encourage more people to ride the bus.” GRTC Board Chairman Tyrone Nelson praised the board’s unanimous adoption of the site, saying “This project will continue the advancement of public transit in the Richmond region, and we are proud to be working together and with the City to develop better options for our riders and the region.” “This project is another in a series of fantastic developments from our regional partners,” said CEO Sheryl Adams. “Investing in transit is investing in our region’s mobility, economic vitality, and future, and we’re very excited to be moving forward on another transformative project for the Richmond region.”

Last Tuesday’s meeting of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors included one notable agenda item for transit across the Richmond region: approval of a plan to purchase what will become a transfer station, park-and-ride, and the western terminus of the extended GRTC Pulse. GRTC CEO Sheryl Adams Adams celebrated the news, calling Tuesday “a fantastic day for transit” and adding that “Henrico County is a fantastic partner, and we are thrilled to be working with them to expand the freedom the Pulse provides to thousands of residents, employees, and visitors to Henrico County.” “This park and ride and transfer facility are key features we’re excited to add to an already successful Pulse system,” said Chief of Staff Adrienne Torres, who also spoke in favor of the purchase at the Board of Supervisors meeting. “Tuesday’s action is monumental for the Pulse and for transit across the region. GRTC and Henrico County have been working together since before the launch in 2018 to make this need a reality. It is very exciting to continue to see such huge investment and support of transit from Henrico. “ GRTC will host a public meeting to discuss the Western Extension of the Pulse on October 1 at Libbie Mill Library.

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Transit ridership in the Richmond region grew dramatically in FY24, with initial numbers showing nearly 11 million passengers across GRTC bus, paratransit, and LINK Microtransit services. The total number is a 14 percent increase from last year – when GRTC was sixth in the nation in ridership growth – and is the first time the agency has carried double-digit millions of passengers since the late 2000s. “The Richmond region has been investing in public transit because it is the backbone of our economy and transportation network,” said GRTC CEO Sheryl Adams “This year’s historic growth shows the impact we’ve had by expanding our routes, restoring and improving our frequencies, and continuing to offer fare-free service.” “This has been an incredible year for transit riders across our region” added Board Chair and Henrico County Supervisor Tyrone Nelson “The Board of Directors is proud to have expanded service into four new localities and introduce new routes and microtransit service – and today’s numbers show that these investments are truly paying off.”

🎉 Exciting News! The GRTC bus line has come back to our campus, making it easier than ever for individuals and families to access our services! 🚍 To celebrate, we're partnering with GRTC to throw a community block party at the Villa. The event is FREE and open to everyone! Join us for refreshing treats, music, swag, and all the info you need. We hope to see you here! #rva #blockparty #community #easyaccess #partnership