GRTC to host public meeting Feb. 9 to address proposed temporary service changes in region

GRTC officials will host a public meeting Monday, Feb. 9 for 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Richmond’s main public library, 101 East Franklin Street downtown, to discuss proposed temporary service changes to a number of transit routes in Henrico County and the Richmond region.

Pending approval by the GRTC Board of Directors Feb. 10, the changes are proposed to take effect Feb. 22 in an effort to account for driver shortages and “to improve service reliability and reduce last-minute trip cancellations, particularly during nights and weekends,” according to GRTC officials.

Officials reviewed routes using ridership data and equity considerations, with a focus on prioritizing reliable service, they said. As additional operators are hired and trained, the agency intends to add more trips.

The proposed temporary adjustments include the follow routes:

• Route 1 – Chamberlayne / Hull / Southside Plaza (weekend service will bypass Reynolds Community College due to lack of classes);

• Route 1A – Chamberlayne / Hull / Midlothian (weekday service will run every 60 minutes after 9 p.m., and weekend trips will alternate between ending at Spring Rock Green and Walmart Way);

• Route 5 – Cary / Main / Whitcomb (weekday service will run every 60 minutes after 9 p.m., and weekend service will run every 30 minutes until 9 p.m., then every 60 minutes after 9 p.m.); 

• Routes 7A & 7B – Nine Mile / Airport (service will run every 60 minutes after 7 p.m.); 

• Route 12 – Church Hill (weekday and Saturday service will run hourly after 9 p.m., and Sunday service will run every 45 minutes);

• Route 14 – Hermitage / East Main (weekday service will run every 60 minutes after 9 p.m., and weekend service will run every 45 minutes all day);

• Route 19 – West Broad Street (Saturday service will run every 30 minutes before 7 p.m., then every 60 minutes afterward, and Sunday service will run every 60 minutes all day);

• Route 20 – Orbital (weekday service will run every 45 minutes all day);

• Route 76 – Patterson (weekend service will be removed due to low utilization; 

• Route 87 – Bellemeade / Hopkins (no service will run after 9 p.m. due to low utilization);

• Route 79 – Patterson / Parham (service will run every 45 minutes during peak periods only, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

Riders will be notified once changes are approved by the GRTC board.