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GRTC PULSE BEGINS SERVICE JUNE 24, 2018

From the GRTC website:

The same day the Pulse service launches, significant transit improvements across Richmond will also take effect for GRTC riders. The City of Richmond’s new network with all new routes, numbers and increased frequencies launches June 24, 2018. GRTC has teamed up with the City of Richmond to rework our area’s transit system through the Richmond Transit Network Plan – and the result will mean faster, more consistent service throughout the day, along with easier connections. Riders can also expect very similar service on weekdays and Saturdays with several new high-frequency bus routes north-south and east-west. These new City routes make it even easier to connect with the Pulse and reach destinations faster. The new City network lays the groundwork for us to keep serving this vibrant, growing region. To learn more about the new City routes, please visit: http://ridegrtc.com/statistics-reports/projects-plans/your-new-grtc-transit-system.

Several Henrico County service adjustments will also begin Pulse launch week on Monday, June 25, 2018. Enhanced weekday service every 30 minutes to Richmond International Airport, a major employer in Henrico’s East End, will be available on the Route 7 A/B Nine Mile Henrico. Taking advantage of the efficiency provided by the Pulse, the Route 19 Pemberton will offer more frequent service every 30 minutes between Willow Lawn and Pemberton and Broad. Also in the West End, Henrico’s new Route 79 Patterson/Parham will extend farther west to Quioccasin and Gaskin Roads at the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center. Additional Henrico County transit expansions are planned for Fall 2018.

More information about events surrounding the Pulse launch will be released in June. Media previews will also be offered before launch day.

The fare to ride the Pulse is the same as local routes at $1.50 per ride or $0.75 for reduced fare customers. The Pulse is free to ride for CARE customers. To learn more about the Pulse and explore how to ride this new service, please visit: http://www.ridegrtc.com/brt/.

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Here’s what you can expect:

Many new route names and numbers

  • We’re changing route names and numbers so they’re easier to understand. They’ll be named after major roads, such as Midlothian Turnpike, Hull Street and North Avenue.
  • Bus stop signs will be updated with new route numbers and names when the Pulse (Bus Rapid Transit) launches and new routes begin.

Faster, more frequent routes

New routes will connect busier areas with more direct routes. This means more frequent bus service and more consistency throughout the day.

  • Buses will arrive every 15, 30 or 60 minutes, depending upon the route. This can make trip planning easier.
  • High frequency routes will arrive every 15 minutes.
  • Riders can expect very similar service on weekdays and Saturdays.

Easier connections

  • With new high-frequency routes (1, 2, 3 and 5) you could have fewer connections, which means more one-seat rides across town.
  • New routes will easily connect to the Pulse.
  • During the day, you won’t have to use the downtown Temporary Transfer Plaza to connect to other routes. You’ll still make well-timed connections there at night and on Sundays.
  • You’ll benefit from improved connection service at all these points:
    • Willow Lawn
    • Robinson / Broad Streets
    • 3rd / Broad Streets
    • 24th / Main Streets
    • Southside Plaza

When will the changes start?

The routes will launch at the same time the Pulse opens, which will be Sunday, June 24, 2018.

Outreach Ambassadors can help you learn your new route.

Before, during and after new routes begin, you’ll find Outreach Ambassadors on many GRTC buses, and at bus stops and the Temporary Transfer Plaza. These specially trained Ambassadors can help you learn your new route, and answer any questions.

Our Travel Buddies can give you a “practice ride” of your new route.

Want a preview of what to expect? Sign up for a free practice session with an experienced driver. Call to schedule your appointment with a Customer Service Representative at 804-358-4782. The driver will pick you up at your bus stop to practice your route, round-trip. You can request this free service up to three times.

GRTC will have extended Customer Service Center hours close to the launch.

You’ll be able to call 804-358-4782 to get the answers you need from a real person. You can also explore this page, checking the maps below with new route names and numbers.

5 comments

Kenny Whitescarver 05/03/2018 at 9:42 AM

I’m pumped.

Reply
HW 05/03/2018 at 1:45 PM

I continue to think this was a missed opportunity for the east end. Virtually every near in neighborhood except ours gets 15 minutes headways. I get that effective advocacy for specific stops led to this, but annoying.

Reply
ilya 05/03/2018 at 2:50 PM

Can’t come soon enough. Finally I’ll be able to take a bus to Carytown or Scott’s Addition in a reasonable timeframe (it takes 53 minutes now to go to Carytown) on those rainy days. Also, the old bus routes/schedules made no sense.

For example, I think route 63 will get me to Virginia College but will I be able to get back on bus 61/63?

Reply
Chris 05/04/2018 at 9:22 PM

I don’t recall ever seeing such happiness on a GRTC bus.

Reply
Eric S. Huffstutler 05/07/2018 at 5:56 PM

Well… has anyone figured out how the new routes will impact the Church Hill area?

Reply

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