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GRTC Rider Update February 2022

February 10, 2022

GRTC News

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GRTC Celebrates Black History Month

GRTC buses and five operators shown outside the old Cary St. Bus Barn, year unknown.
IMAGE: GRTC buses and five operators shown outside the old Cary St. Bus Barn, year unknown.
February 10, 2022
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Black History Month: This year GRTC honors its own employees who broke the color barrier to become the first African Americans in GRTC’s Transportation, Administration, and Maintenance Departments. Prior to the 1960s, most jobs at GRTC were not held by African Americans as positions were denied to them on the basis of race. During the Civil Rights Movement, African American workers entered more opportunities in the workforce. Click here to learn more about inclusion’s history at GRTC. Although it took decades of progress since the 1960s, GRTC believes inclusion and employment representation of minority voices is not only integral but essential to the success of the organization. GRTC’s new Equitable Innovation & Legislative Policy Department is driven to ensure that the agency continues to foster and cultivate a healthy workplace by ensuring the inclusion of all staff and community leaders while providing equitable solutions to public transportation for the communities GRTC serves.
GRTC bus with a bike on the rack, showing the special message, “GRTC CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH.”
IMAGE: GRTC bus with a bike on the rack, showing the special message, “GRTC CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH.”

Detours Downtown Continue: If you’re returning to a regular in-person commute with GRTC in 2022, you may not know there are many detours in place Downtown around various construction impacts.

Presidents’ Day Holiday Schedule: On Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 21st, GRTC operates a Weekday schedule with no Express service.

Chesterfield County Route 60 Transit Survey: Our partners at Chesterfield County are studying the feasibility of public transit on Midlothian Turnpike (possibly extending existing GRTC bus service from Walmart Way to Chippenham Parkway). Take their brief survey now to share your mobility needs there: http://Route60Survey.com

On-Demand Pilot: To provide another mobility option for customers affected by the temporary service adjustments during early morning and late night, GRTC is piloting a new on-demand service between bus stops. Customers can request a ride Monday – Friday between 5AM-6AM and 11PM-2AM only. This service is Zero Fare. Uber is the fastest option, and customers should first download the Uber app on their smartphone, then click this voucher link to load the Zero Fare ride. Check our website for all available options.

Downtown Transfer Plaza Changes Coming Soon! Soon GRTC will update the Downtown Transfer Plaza with new bus bay locations on 9th, Clay, and 8th Streets to accommodate nearby construction zones and preserve bus rider connections at night and on Sundays. Several bus stop shelters, benches, and trash cans will be relocated to new bay locations on Clay and 8th St., and wayfinding maps will be posted nearby for riders. New on-board announcements will explain the bay locations and routes serving them when buses approach the Plaza. GRTC expects to be able to notify the public of a moving date at least two weeks in advance of the move.

Four bays will not change at all – A, B, C, and D. However, Bays E and F relocate to Clay and Bays G, H, and I will relocate to 8th St. Bus Stop #2522 at 9th and Marshall will become Bay J. Because of nearby construction, some pedestrian pathways may be closed. Riders should only use marked pedestrian crossings at the Plaza.

map of temporary bay locations
Click on map to load larger.

Another temporary update to the Downtown Transfer Plaza is expected later in 2022 when bays will move within the 8th St. surface parking lot between 8th and 9th Sts., and Leigh and Clay Sts., fully relocating bus bays from on-street to a designated lot out of the flow of general traffic. The City of Richmond and GRTC are collaborating on these updates in 2022.   

Federal Mask Order Still In Effect: The mask mandate on public transit remains in effect through March 18, 2022. Face masks must be worn properly over both nose and mouth, and must comply with the Federal Order. FAQs about the Order

A bus passenger wearing a face mask waves
IMAGE: A bus passenger wearing a face mask waves.

We Are Hiring Operators & Maintenance staff: Sign-on bonuses are now offered to new full-time operators ($5,000) and mechanics ($8,500)! Applicants only need a Virginia Driver’s License – GRTC will train you and help you earn your CDL. Visit ridegrtc.com and apply today to join the GRTC Family!

We are now hiring for:

Employment opportunities are always posted at rideGRTC.com!

You are welcome to connect with GRTC if you have questions.

GRTC’s office is closed to the public, and Lost and Found is by appointment only.