Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Bus Rapid Transit

Richmond Shows How to Boost Small-City Transit

Photo: RVA Rapid Transit

Many cities are struggling with declining transit ridership, but Richmond, Virginia — population 227,000 — seems to have found a winning formula.

Monthly ridership on Greater Richmond Transit Company is up 21 percent year over year thanks to one big investment, some smart planning and some policy changes — and with only a small increase in its annual operating budget.

The most important change was the opening of its new seven-mile Bus Rapid Transit line, "The Pulse," which includes three miles of dedicated lanes and many of the features that make BRT faster than conventional bus service. The line, funded in part by a $25-million federal TIGER grant, serves 40,000 weekly trips.

Meanwhile, the same day the new line opened, GCTC debuted a redesigned bus network, designed with input from consultant Jarrett Walker. The new routes offer increased service frequency on five lines. The redesign, which does require riders to transfer more frequently, was cost-neutral for the agency.

Ross Catrow, an organizer with the transit advocacy group RVA Rapid Transit, credits the increase with "a little bit of everything."

"It was kind of like pulling all these little pieces together," he said.

GRTC reports the number of trips taken last October was 647,000. This October it had risen to 785,000.

GRTC was able to ink a deal with the Virginia Commonwealth University, which began offering free rides to all its students and employees, including those of the affiliated hospital, which is the city's largest employer.

In addition, nearby Henrico County chipped in a little over $1 million to expand Route 19 and brings service out to Short Pump Town Center, a major mall.

"Some folks who haven’t ridden the bus before who now have access to jobs at the suburban mall," said Catrow. "They’re like this was really arduous to get out here before and now its a lot easier."

Catrow says when he's riding he also sees lots of VCU badges, employees of the hospital, people who may not have ridden before.

"We had no transit momentum in the city for like 50 years," he said. "And now we have a ton."

Catrow says he hopes transit advocates can leverage the progress to push for expanded service.

Updated: 3:12 p.m. Jan. 7th with additional data. 

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday’s Headlines Are Doomed

Philadelphia transit is falling off the fiscal cliff, with other major cities not far behind. And the effects of service cuts on their economies could be brutal.

June 27, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Why We Need ‘Universal Basic Mobility’

In a very special podcast, we’re joined by the great Madeline Brozen of UCLA to talk about how guaranteed transit lowers people's stress.

June 26, 2025

Berlin Moves Closer to Banning Cars From A Zone Bigger Than Manhattan

Berlin could soon set the bar for human-centered cities around the world, now that a long-sought ballot measure is finally being released from political limbo.

June 26, 2025

Study: America’s Blind Spots Are Expanding

The drivers of America's most popular cars can see less and less of the road every year — and regulators aren't stepping in.

June 26, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Adjust Our Screens

The misinformation regarding climate change is shifting. Don't believe the hype.

June 25, 2025
See all posts