GRTC’s zero-fare bus program at risk as state funding nears expiration

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Greater Richmond Transit Company’s zero-fare bus program, which launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, may soon come to an end unless the city secures millions in new state funding.

Funded by a temporary state grant, the fare-free initiative helped fuel a surge in ridership across Richmond. In 2024 alone, nearly 11 million people rode GRTC buses — a significant increase that transit advocates attribute to the elimination of fares. But with that grant set to expire, the program's future hangs in the balance.

A new study conducted by RVA Rapid Transit, a local nonprofit, in partnership with the University of Richmond, highlights the stakes. The group surveyed 100 bus riders and found that $6.8 million is needed to keep the program afloat through the next year.

Faith Walker, Executive Director of RVA Rapid Transit, said the cost of a bus fare may seem small on paper, but for many, it presents a serious financial hurdle.

“When I asked people what they used to spend money on before fares were eliminated, 64 out of 100 riders said food,” Walker said. “Even after the pandemic, we’re still facing record grocery prices and rising rent. It’s crucial that we, as a region, support this initiative.”

Many people who 8News spoke to said they rely on the free bus for pretty much everything, and even chose where to live based on proximity to Pulse bus stops.

For riders like Wanda Felsenhardt, a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University, the zero-fare program isn’t just a convenience — it’s a necessity. She relies on the bus to get to class, work, and the grocery store.

“I definitely think you start to evaluate it more,” she said. “Suddenly, that trip back and forth starts to add up.”

Felsenhardt added that, in addition to its affordability, public transit often provides a safer and more reliable option than walking or biking, especially in urban areas.

“It’s just a program that has immense benefits compared to the cons,” she said.

City leaders have until June to find the $6.8 million needed to continue the program. If no funding is secured, fare collection could resume as early as this summer — a move that advocates warn could reverse gains in accessibility, ridership, and economic stability for many residents.

Michael Hinkle, Richmond Public Information Officer, expressed the city's support for continuing the zero-fare ridership program:

The zero-fare ridership program launched at the end of 2021 was a three-year study on the impact of fare-free service. That impact, as it turns out, was transformative. Our residents, businesses, and communities have come to rely on the zero-fare program as a means to work, live, and thrive in the City and surrounding communities.  

With that in mind, the Mayor is incredibly supportive of extending fare free service and is hopeful that GRTC will find a way to do so. In his FY26 budget proposal, the Mayor allocated over $9.4 million dollars for GRTC, the largest allocation from any contributing locality. Additionally, the City has worked closely with GRTC to explore alternative options to increase revenue, including franchise agreements which would permit additional advertising.  

It's worth noting that the distribution of these funds does not fall to the City and is instead the responsibility of GRTC's board. The Mayor hopes that GRTC, together with the localities it serves and its regional public and private partners, will be able to find a path forward on fare-free transit.  Michael Hinkle, Richmond Public Information Officer