Snow Routes

When inclement Winter weather impacts central Virginia, GRTC is a reliable, safe transportation option. However, when deteriorating travel conditions occur, GRTC will implement “Snow Routes.”

During an active event, check for the latest service update HERE.


CLICK HERE to explore our interactive map larger.

Only bus stops with a snowflake blade are served on snow routes. snowflake icon appearing on bus stop signs served on Snow Routes

Snow routes avoid hazardous streets around the system that have historically proven to be challenging to navigate in inclement Winter weather. Buses will display an alert message on the electronic exterior signs, saying, “SNOW ROUTES IN EFFECT,” to notify customers immediately that buses are on snow routes. Snow routes generally follow high priority roads for plowing. Additional detours may also be necessary, as conditions warrant. Customers should expect delays as it is unlikely GRTC will be able to follow regular schedules. 

Once buses go onto snow routes, they will remain on snow routes through the end of the transit day. If road conditions remain hazardous for buses, GRTC may choose to remain on snow routes for subsequent days until it is deemed safe to return to regular routing.

On snow routes, CARE will operate limited service (healthcare trips only). CARE On-Demand service is subject to snow route impacts, as well. CARE customers may need to meet the vehicle at a spot close to the pickup/drop off location if the vehicle cannot safely maneuver on the street/driveway/parking lot. Also, door-to-door service will not be performed if the sidewalk and walkway have not been cleared.

The Customer Service Call Center (804-358-GRTC) assists riders with service impacts (normal hours).  GRTC is staffed to provide frequent, real-time customer alerts through the GRTC Transit On The Go! mobile app, Bus Tracker at ridegrtc.com, by text (22827) and via Twitter @GRTCtransit.

ROUTES WITH SNOW ROUTE DETOURS: (Click on name for PDF of route left-right turns)

1B Chamberlayne/Hull/Warwick
2A Forest Hill/North Ave
2B North Ave/Jahnke/Midlothian
2C North Ave/Midlothian/Belt Blvd
3A Highland/Route 1/Harwood
3B Highland/Route 1
3C Highland/Harwood/Route 1
4A Montrose
4B Darbytown
5 Cary/Main/Whitcomb
12 Church Hill
13 Oakwood
14 Hermitage/East Main
18 Henrico Government Center
20 Orbital - subject to additional detours off Robinson, using the Boulevard instead
56 South Laburnum
64x Stony Point Express
78 Cary/Maymont
86 Broad Rock/Walmsley
87 Bellemeade/Hopkins
88 Belt/Bells/Ruffin
91 Laburnum Connector
93 Azalea Connector

All these routes follow normal routing during snow routes, but are subject to change in real-time:
Pulse - subject to curbside-only service, including at curbs across from median stations, should conditions warrant.
1 Chamberlayne/Hull/Southside Plaza (SUNDAYS only)
1A Chamberlayne/Hull/Midlothian
1C Chamberlayne/Hull/Elkhardt
7A Nine Mile Henrico
7B Nine Mile Henrico
19 West Broad Street
29x Gaskins Express
50 Broad St
76 Patterson
77 Grove
79 Patterson/Parham
82x Commonwealth 20 Express
95x Petersburg Express