News

Big plans for micro-transit

GRTC plans to pilot a new way to meet the public transit needs of people in less populated and walkable communities that lack access to fixed-route service. Starting in fall 2023, it expects to start a three-year pilot program to provide micro-transit service.

Similar to Uber or Lyft, micro-transit is a type of on-demand mobility service that can be dispatched directly by riders using a smartphone application. GRTC will kick off a phase 2 study this fall to identify an implementation plan for the pilot, which will include GRTC operating some of the zones and a third party operating the rural zones.

North-South BRT corridor

Four years after launching The Pulse, GRTC’s successful East-West Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, a search is now on for a potential North-South BRT line.

The agency’s board of directors has approved the selection of contractor Michael Baker International, Inc., which will study and recommend the first of several previously identified potential corridors to advance into the environmental clearance and design phase.

The study process will include engagement of the public and stakeholders, identification of a purpose and need, definition of corridors, analysis of corridors, and a final summary report.

The potential corridors build on a Greater Washington Partnership study:

• Route 1 North from The Pulse downtown station(s) to Virginia Center Commons via Belvidere Street, Chamberlayne Avenue, and Route 1
• Route 1 South from The Pulse downtown station(s) to Brightpoint Community College via Belvidere Ave and Route 1
• Midlothian Turnpike from The Pulse downtown station(s) to Midlothian Village, via Hull Street/Southside Plaza/Belt Boulevard/Midlothian Turnpike
• Hull Street from The Pulse downtown stations(s) to Southside Plaza (running in parallel with Midlothian BRT, no transfer required) to the Commonwealth Center area

New faces on GRTC governing board

GRTC’s Board of Directors has new leadership and four new members to help chart the future of public transportation in the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, and Henrico County.

City Councilmembers Ellen F. Robertson and Andreas D. Addison were appointed to represent Richmond; and county employee Barbara Smith and resident Dave Anderson with Timmons Group to represent Chesterfield.

They join County Supervisors Tyrone Nelson and Dan Schmitt, and Assistant Director of Transportation and Development Todd Eure from Henrico; and County Supervisor Jim Ingle from Chesterfield.

Leading the nine-member board is Nelson as president and chairman, and Addison as vice president and vice chairman. Smith is the board’s secretary and treasurer.

GRTC’s board consists of nine members — three from each jurisdiction — representing Richmond, Chesterfield, and Henrico. Members are appointed by their jurisdiction. Each member serves a one-year term. Members are eligible to serve multiple years with each annual appointment.

More bus stops to have shelters & seating

At least half of all GRTC bus stops in the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, and Henrico County will soon have a more comfortable, accessible, and dignified place to wait for your ride.

Only five percent of GRTC’s 1,609 active local stops have a shelter and 21 percent have seating. Less than half of those stops predate the Americans with Disabilities Act and are not compliant. And most stops lacking adequate infrastructure are in low-income areas throughout Central Virginia.

Under a plan approved by the transit system’s board of directors, GRTC will install 160 shelters and 225 benches over five years. Work is expected to begin in the summer of 2023. GRTC also will coordinate with jurisdictions to improve ADA compliance at stops to further the agency’s push to be more inclusive.

“This is one of several GRTC strategic initiatives planned that aim to address the various impediments to transit access and ultimately inequities,” said Director of Planning and Scheduling Sam Sink. “GRTC champions social and economic mobility by prioritizing connecting people to essential human services and needs. With proper operational and capital investment, transit is a factor that can improve overall quality of life.”

The Essential Transit Infrastructure (ETI) plan will cost between $11 million and $28.6 million, and be funded through a combination of local, state, and federal grants.

GRTC will use a scoring system that considers usage and equity to determine which stops qualify for improvements. Appendix B of the plan lists what each stop qualifies for. Groups who would like to request a shelter plan presentation at their meeting may email planningcomment@ridegrtc.com.

New paratransit operator

National Express Transit, a complete mobility solutions partner, began a new partnership with the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) in October. Utilizing the client’s fleet of 96 vehicles, National Express Transit provides paratransit and call center services. The vehicles are equipped with the latest technologies to improve safety performance, enhance the passenger experience, and minimize service disruptions.

The GRTC Transit System was founded in 1860 and is known today as one of the most efficient transit systems in the United States because of its progressive and expansive services that serve every sector of the Richmond area. It aims to provide clean, safe, and reliable transportation and to improve mobility and access throughout Central Virginia.

“We are excited to begin this new journey with GRTC and make a positive, lasting impact in the Richmond community,” said Stephanie Maher, Region Vice President, National Express Shuttle and Transit. “As a leader in transit transportation, our focus is and will always be on providing safe, customer-focused accessible services. National Express Transit greatly values the hard work and dedication our employees provide daily. Our investment in retention and wages will allow us to improve all aspects of the service and create new job opportunities in Richmond. We look forward to building strong relationships with GRTC’s customers and becoming a trusted community partner.”

“GRTC is committed to elevating the experience of our riders on our CARE service, and we have high expectations for National Express Transit on this new partnership focusing on supporting the operators on the streets as well as our riders in our vans,” said Sheryl Adams, GRTC Acting CEO. “In conjunction with their vast experience and resolute approach to safety, we were impressed by the value and quality of service National Express Transit outlined for our riders and community in their proposal. We have full confidence in this partnership and trust that our riders are in good hands.”

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