Monday snowstorm places strain on some Richmonders’ transportation plans

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond-area drivers felt the effects of Monday's snowy weather on the roads -- and they'll likely have to stay "weather aware" on Tuesday, as well.

Icy roads will stick around in the morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 9, according to our StormTracker8 team.

On Monday afternoon, along E. Broad Street, drivers were cautious as the snow fell for hours. It prompted the Greater Richmond Transportation Company (GRTC) to start running "snow routes."

GRTC is used to "avoid hazardous areas" known to be challenging to navigate in inclement weather -- but one rider, who was trying to make it from a stop on Broad to Henrico's East End, said it simultaneously created a real inconvenience.

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"Today, the bus system was so messed up -- it's inconceivable," the anonymous bus rider said. "You're out there freezing literally at least an hour before you know what's going on. How could you get home?"

GRTC did make an announcement about the snow routes, but this Richmonder claims no one kept the riders informed about the changes. Instead of taking a bus from Broad to a stop on S. Laburnum Avenue, he said the detour lengthened his commute -- and his wait in the cold.

Dec. 8 snowstorm in Richmond, which impacted GRTC bus routes. (Photo: 8News)

Dec. 8 snowstorm in Richmond, which impacted GRTC bus routes. (Photo: 8News)

Dec. 8 snowstorm in Richmond, which impacted GRTC bus routes. (Photo: 8News)

Dec. 8 snowstorm in Richmond, which impacted GRTC bus routes. (Photo: 8News)

Dec. 8 snowstorm in Richmond. (Photo: 8News)

"I had to go all the way to the airport to wait for that bus to come back around to here," he said. "It's like a two-and-a-half-hour ride for like a 20-minute ride."

He said he wants to be safe, of course -- but he hopes it will be a little easier getting around town on Tuesday.

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"I'll find a way. When there's a will, there's a way," he said. "Thank you, Lord. He'll make a way."

GRTC says snow routes will likely continue at the start of service on Tuesday. Learn about GRTC snow routes and other service information here.