North-South

Rapid Transit for the Richmond Region

Have you heard the news? GRTC’s Pulse BRT is a success, and riders want more efficient, convenient, and reliable connections to get you where you need to go! To accommodate people on the move, we're excited to announce the next phase of the GRTC Pulse North-South Bus Rapid Transit (N-S BRT Project) - GRTC's commitment to help keep our region moving. The N-S BRT will connect Northside and Southside to the existing GRTC Pulse and beyond, making it easier and safer for everyone to get around with bus service that is more reliable, convenient, and faster for all of us.

GRTC Pulse North-South BRT will connect more of the region, including Chamberlayne Avenue, Leigh Street, 8^th Street, 9^th Street, Commerce Road, Hull Street, Belt Boulevard, and Midlothian Turnpike. Adding a North-South BRT to the existing GRTC Pulse system will support regional growth and help provide equitable access to jobs, education, and community services.

Project Map

Project Details

In Fall 2023, GRTC completed the GRTC North-South Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Study to determine a locally preferred alternative for a North-South route. The study paired public input with analysis of demographics, employment, equity, multimodal connectivity, and existing transit service. GRTC selected a preferred corridor alignment for further design and environmental review.

This project picks up where the 2023 study left off. GRTC Pulse North-South BRT will be constructed in phases. This project will advance Phase I of the locally preferred alternative through conceptual design and the federally required environmental evaluation process. It will also advance conceptual planning of the segments identified as future phases of the alignment. Phase I of the project will comprise at least 50% dedicated bus lanes and numerous BRT stations (locations to be determined) along the corridor. When this project concludes, Phase I will be eligible to compete for federal funding for detailed design and construction.

Phase I Project Map

What’s Happening?

This September, we're kicking off the first round of community engagement for the GRTC Pulse North-South BRT Project, and we need your help. We want your thoughts on potential designs for the project corridor. You can learn about the GRTC Pulse North-South BRT Project, share your opinions on where the dedicated bus lanes and stations should be, and give feedback on the proposed GRTC Pulse North-South BRT Project. Click here for more information about the route, lane designs, and station location proposals. 

Here’s what we’ll be doing together:

• Hello GRTC Pulse North-South BRT, it is nice to meet you! We want to introduce you to this new transit project, and how it will benefit the greater Richmond area.
• Context please? We'll review the project background and results of the parking study and traffic analyses.
• What’s the plan? We'll show you the proposed GRTC Pulse N-S BRT routes, where dedicated lanes might go, and potential BRT station locations.
• What would you prefer? We want to know what you think. Should lanes run along the curb or in the middle of the street? Where should the stations be located?

Why Participate?

As the Richmond region grows, our transit system must keep up. GRTC Pulse North-South BRT Project will help people get to jobs, schools, grocery stores, doctors’ offices, and other destinations. By participating in the process, you’re helping to create a transit system that works for you and for your community by helping our region to plan for its future.

Get Involved!

We have several ways for you to get involved:

• In-Person Public Meeting: Join us on Monday, September 16, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Main Street Station (1500 East Main Street, upper level). This event will have displays and activities where you can learn about the project, vote on dedicated bus lane and station locations, talk to GRTC Pulse N-S BRT team subject matter experts, and enter a $50 gift card raffle!
• Pop-Up Events: We’re taking the project on the road to hear from you:
  • Tuesday, September 10, from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM at St. Paul’s Catholic Church Food Pantry (909 Rennie Avenue)
  • Wednesday, September 11, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Downtown Transfer Station (8^th Street and Clay Street)
  • Thursday, September 12, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Hull Street Branch – Richmond Public Library (1400 Hull Street)
• Virtual Public Meeting: Login on Zoom at 12:00 PM on September 19 for a virtual overview of the project. Register for the virtual public meeting by clicking HERE. Join us and be entered into a $50 gift card drawing at the end of the event!
• Online Survey: Share your feedback online any time before October 13 - Click HERE to complete the questionnaire. All participants will be entered into a $50 gift card drawing!

We want everyone in the community to be involved. Your input will help us design a transit system that serves Greater Richmond. Please join us in shaping the future of our region —we look forward to your input!