To schedule a ride, call the local Health Department Call Center at (804) 205-3501

Free GRTC Vaccine Appointment Transportation
On-Demand partner UZURV providing passenger transport to vaccine appointments.

RICHMOND, Va. (March 12, 2021) – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) vaccine recipients needing transportation to reach their COVID-19 vaccine appointments can get a free on-demand ride from GRTC. Although GRTC trips are currently free, some customers may be too far from a bus stop. GRTC’s On-Demand partner UZURV is delivering these passengers to and from their critical vaccine appointments.

GRTC CEO Julie Timm explains, “Vaccines are available right now for the most vulnerable people in our region, yet there are many who have no transportation to vaccine clinics and no access to bus routes serving the clinics.  GRTC’s partnership with local Health Departments and UZURV will extend door-to-door service beyond our normal bus routes for vaccination appointments, which will ensure mobility limitations and limited access to transit are not barriers to health.”

GRTC Vaccine On-Demand trips are funded from the CARES Act as part of the pandemic response, and in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health.

"We are so grateful to our partners who are thinking intentionally about the transportation needs of our communities," says Jackie Lawrence, Director of Health Equity at Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. "Transportation is a significant barrier to many in our most impacted communities... this helps make sure everyone who wants a vaccine can access one."

RHHD's Community Health Workers, faith leader partners, and other outreach workers are utilizing a relationship-based approach to reach underserved communities. They will inform community members about COVID-19 vaccine opportunities and will help identify any barriers that stand between interested individuals and access to an appointment. If transportation is an issue, outreach workers can connect with UZURV to coordinate transportation to the appointment.

“I’m so glad that UZURV is able to provide drivers and vehicles to support GRTC with the vaccination effort. Thanks to the Virginia Department of Health and GRTC, UZURV will help many people in our community get to their appointments by providing free, on-demand trips with credentialed drivers prepared to assist people. We are pleased to have a role supporting the health of our community and continuing to serve our long-term partner, GRTC," says UZURV CEO John Donlon.

MORE ON GRTC COVID-19 RESPONSE:
GRTC currently has one active staff case who is recovering at home. As positive cases are identified, GRTC proactively notifies, quarantines, and tests for any possible contact. This process is in accordance with guidance provided by the Virginia Department of Health. The full list of confirmed staff and contractor cases is available online. 

GRTC continues to host periodic on-site, free COVID-19 testing events for staff, helping detect asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic cases. All GRTC staff are now eligible to voluntarily receive the COVID-19 vaccine and are currently being contacted for appointments. For the most complete and latest GRTC updates during this pandemic, please visit our website.

GRTC is a public service corporation providing mobility services in the Greater Richmond area. GRTC’s current operational budget of $60.3M primarily funds daily mobility operations and vehicle maintenance. GRTC provides more than 9.25 million trips annually.