GRTC adding four larger, accordion-style buses to its fleet

Jun 28, 2025 - 00:25

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GRTC adding four larger, accordion-style buses to its fleet

RICHMOND, Va. -- The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) is unveiling four new accordion-style buses that will be added to its Pulse fleet.

GRTC communications manager Ashley Potter told 8News the larger buses will be used exclusively on the Pulse route, which travels east and west down Broad Street.

The 60-foot articulated buses are a first for GRTC. Previously, Pulse buses measured 40 feet in length.

"This is pretty huge for us -- figuratively and literally," Potter said.

One of GRTC's new accordion-style buses. (Photo: 8News)

Interior of one of GRTC's new accordion-style buses. (Photo: 8News)

The new vehicles can carry up to 120 passengers -- which is up from the previous maximum of 80 passengers. This includes riders both sitting and standing.

“If you’ve ridden on the Pulse route recently -- I was on it the other day ... those buses get pretty tight,” Potter said.

GRTC has seen ridership increase since May, according to Potter, who said 10% more riders take the Pulse now. This makes up about 17% of overall ridership.

MORE: Some transit changes coming to GRTC: What to expect

Potter said the company's zero fare program is to thank for this increase.

GRTC buses became fare-free during the pandemic as a way to avoid contact -- and, according to GRTC officials, Richmond saw less of a decrease in ridership compared to cities around the country as a result.

GRTC has worked to keep public transportation free since then and for the foreseeable future.

These new buses have a unique feature: an accordion joint that moves in the middle of the bus and allows it to turn seamlessly.

One of GRTC's new accordion-style buses. (Photo: 8News)

Interior of one of GRTC's new accordion-style buses. (Photo: 8News)

Each accordion-style bus has a price tag of $1.2 million. Potter said two were funded through the state through the Smart Scale Program and two others were funded by a merit grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).

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“We’re just really excited about these buses," Potter said. "We’re excited that operators have been training so hard to get these guys out to the community. We know the community is really excited to try them out and we’re really excited for what they represent. These buses really represent the riders and our initiative to maintain and sustain zero fare and that’s what we’re really focused on."