GRTC has more than 1,600 bus stops in its system where customers can connect with local, express and extended express routes. We provide an overview of the different types of signage at stops below.
GRTC is partnering with RVA Rapid Transit on a "Better Bus Stop" Program! Please visit this website to learn more.
Stop Infrastructure Request:
Bus stops with 20 average daily boardings are considered for a bench. Trash cans with 15 average daily boardings are considered for a trash can.
(All bus stops with benches or shelters automatically qualify for a trash can).
Bus Stop Spacing Policy: GRTC should space bus stops so that routes in urban/walkable areas have an average of five bus stops per mile; In suburban/less walkable areas stops may be spaced closer. Many bus stops are about three blocks apart. GRTC's bus stop spacing policy adheres to the following guidelines from the GRTC Transit Development Plan:
Types of area in the table above are based on Richmond Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Analysis Zones for GRTC's local service area.
However, specific bus stop locations take into account safety, walkability, ADA, ridership, land-use, distance between stops, and on time performance considerations.
GRTC's bus stop signs and additional informational signage around the system make it easier for customers to ride!
Basic Bus Stop Signs
There are approximately 1,600 basic bus stop signs in the GRTC system, and they were all replaced and upgraded between March 2016 and December 2017. The basic bus stop signs feature a taller, more visible pole in accordance with VDOT standards (7 feet off the ground) with a round bus icon at the top. Beneath that are signs featuring the bus stop number, GRTC customer contact information and the route(s) serviced by that bus stop. Braille “BUS” markers are at the standard height on the bus stop pole. 
Bus stops with a snowflake blade on them are part of GRTC's Snow Routes network that remain open during Snow Routes.
An additional feature on some basic bus stop signs is also a lower level sign displaying a printed schedule and map relevant to that specific route and stop.
Bus Shelters
GRTC continues to install new infrastructure throughout the transit network in 2021, part of the largest effort in the company’s history outside of basic bus stop signs to provide better stop-level transit features for riders. Public transit service and infrastructure including shelters and benches are funded by Federal, State and local contributions.
Shelter Replacement and Expansion Program - update August 2021 (PDF)
The shelter design approved for the City of Richmond and Chesterfield County is a Brasco Eclipse Series with a sloped roof and solar lighting. The shelter is matte black with a bench, lean rail, space for a map, and translucent plexiglass on three sides.
The shelter design approved for Henrico County is a Brasco Eclipse Series with an arched roof and solar lighting. The shelter is leaf green with a bench, lean rail, space for a map, and translucent plexiglass on three sides.
The following locations are targeted for new bus shelters:
Transit Accessibility Project
GRTC is making bus stop landing pad improvements at selected bus stops throughout the network. The condition of existing landing pads varies throughout the transit system, ranging from full ADA compliant with a 5’ x 8’ concrete pad that is continuous with curb and a slope of 2% or less, to other landing pads that have no concrete or has a slope greater than 2%. Bus stops that are categorized as not compliant and have grade of 3% or less will be marked for concrete improvements and design specifications will be created. ADA requirements include: a firm, stable surface; a minimum clear length of 96 inches, measured from the curb or vehicle roadway edge and a minimum clear width of 60 inches measured perpendicular to the vehicle roadway; and a maximum slope of 1:50 (2%) for water drainage.
In coordination with the City of Richmond, VDOT and PlanRVA, the following locations on Southside are scheduled for new ADA compliant concrete landing pads.
Phase 1: Beginning July 19, 2021 with work continuing July 20-21, 2021
Phase 2: coming soon!
Other Features
Bus stop signage offers extra ways to connect with customers. For cell phone users, maps include the Bus Tracker estimated arrivals by text information. Customers may also scan the QR code on the poster with a smart phone to go directly to the GRTC website and download bus route schedules, connect with GRTC Customer Service, or download the free GRTC Transit On The GO! mobile app.
Remember, always wait at the basic bus stop sign for the bus.
GRTC is committed to responding to the needs of the communities served by providing exceptional customer service.
New maps are also available at GRTC Pulse stations.
Trash Pick-up:
In the City of Richmond, trash cans at bus stops are picked up by the City's trash trucks on their routes. However, trash at Pulse stations is picked up by GRTC.
At-stop infrastructure varies by location. Explore our current infrastructure by bus stop using the interactive map below.