GRTC’s new high-frequency service is already making an impact for riders on Routes 7A and 7B. Weekday improvements to the two routes that combine to provide service from Downtown to Richmond International Airport have doubled the number of buses available to passengers headed to Church Hill, Nine Mile Rd, and beyond. Service now operates every 30 minutes on both routes, combining to every 15 minutes for a quick and easy high-frequency connection to jobs, shopping centers, and other transit connections.

Last Thursday, GRTC staff conducted several on-board outreach sessions to gauge the reactions of passengers and operators. One rider whose commute took him from Hull Street all the way to Laburnum and required a bike spoke about the additional capacity offered by having more buses on the route. “I ride a bike, and lots of times there’s already two bikes on the bus and I have to wait.”

Other riders were also enthusiastic about the frequency increase. “I’m ecstatic to hear about the new service! It’s going to get you where you need to go on time!” added one rider, while another noted the flexibility of the new schedule in making their connections “[The new service] is really good. I get off work at 3, but if I need to go run an errand now I can make it before heading to my other job,”