GRTC

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

Henrico –  GRTC, Henrico County, and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation teamed up today to promote the introduction of LINK Microtransit’s new Sandston/Elko Zone, which will provide on-demand transit options for residents of the east end starting Monday, July 1. The Sandston/Elko Zone is the fifth of five pilot zones identified in a 2021 regional study, and will provide connections across the community, including to Richmond International Airport, White Oak Shopping Center, Sandston Library, and first and last mile connections for GRTC’s Montrose/Darbytown and Nine Mile/Laburnum services. "This new zone provides a vital connection between the more rural areas of the county and the entire Metro-Richmond region," said Henrico Board of Supervisors and GRTC Board of Directors Chairman Tyrone Nelson. "This is a significant step in our goal of sustainable transportation for all." “The introduction of Sandston/Elko LINK Zone is another huge step for transit access in the Richmond region” added GRTC CEO Sheryl Adams “We are proud to have been able to launch five new service zones this past year – and look forward to continuing to expand the freedom of transit to new communities as we continue to grow.”

GRTC’s fifth LINK Microtransit zone will launch on July 1, providing new on-demand transit connections in Sandston and Elko and completing the five zones that make up GRTC’s initial microtransit program. LINK first launched in Azalea in November of 2023 and has since carried over 15,000 passengers across four zones, providing a new on-demand transit option to riders across the Richmond region and welcoming several new communities to the GRTC network.  The addition of LINK microtransit service to Henrico County’s east end is the result of work that began in 2021 when the Richmond region began investigating the effectiveness of microtransit and other innovations in transit service to improve regional connectivity.  “GRTC is thrilled to expand the promise of microtransit service to Sandston & Elko,” said GRTC CEO Sheryl Adams “Microtransit service has been a key part of GRTC’s efforts to innovate and expand across the Richmond region, and we look forward to celebrating this new zone and the freedom of access it provides while we continue the work of providing the freedom of transit access to the entire Richmond region.” The new service provides fare-free on-demand service Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm daily, with rides available by phone call or using the GRTC on the Go app. A ceremonial ribbon cutting, featuring GRTC, Henrico County, and DRPT staff will be held on Thursday, June 27, at 11:00 am at the Henrico Theater to celebrate. RSVP here.  

GRTC CEO Sheryl Adams visited Petersburg yesterday to celebrate the introduction of one of four 40’ Gillig Buses donated by GRTC to Petersburg’s transit service. The buses retired from GRTC service in late 2023, and instead of retirement or auction GRTC is proud to have been able to partner with Petersburg to expand capacity and improve service for our neighbors to the south. “GRTC and PAT have a proud history of shared public transit service,” Adams told a crowd, adding that “Reliable transit is the mode that gets essential workers to their jobs, connects our neighbors and parents with groceries and health care appointments, and provides freedom to move that is essential to helping people live their lives on their time.” The former GRTC buses have carried thousands of riders across the Richmond region, but they’re not done yet – GRTC is excited about the contribution they’ll make in Petersburg and looks forward to the continued success of the vehicles, PAT, and transit riders across central Virginia.

GRTC is excited to announce Kevin Hernandez, MBA as the agency’s new Chief Operating Officer. Hernandez, a dedicated transit expert with more than a decade of experience, joined GRTC from Prince George’s County, where he had served as Chief of Transit. He earned his B.A. from the University of Maryland and MBA from the University of Baltimore in addition to his significant relevant experience, which also includes a previous role as Director of Operations for DASH.   GRTC CEO Sheryl Adams celebrated his arrival, saying “We are incredibly excited about the experience and expertise Kevin brings to this position, and I’m looking forward to seeing how his contributions will help us continue to improve.”   Chief of Staff Adrienne Torres echoed the sentiment, saying “Kevin’s track record of success and knowledge of Virginia transit agency operations are valuable assets that will support better, faster, more reliable bus service.”

Today the Commonwealth Transportation Board released its FY25 Draft Six-Year Improvement Plan, which includes millions of dollars in funding for projects and programs across the Richmond Region. Included in the list: $3.6 million from the Commonwealth to continue to support GRTC’s fare-free transit, $3.5 million in funds to support the extension of GRTC’s Route 1 5.5 miles to Virginia Center Commons, almost $3 million for Essential Infrastructure, including bus shelters and benches, and nearly $14 million to purchase new buses. GRTC CEO Sheryl Adams was excited about today’s announcement, saying “The budget recommendations in today’s release will be instrumental in maintaining the historic improvement and expansion of transit we’re proud to be delivering for the Richmond region.” GRTC Chief of Staff Adrienne Torres echoed the sentiment, adding “The projects recommended for funding will help us with everything from necessary maintenance to planning transformation projects.” We’re grateful for the support of the Commonwealth and look forward to delivering an even better GRTC.”