Some transit changes coming to GRTC: What to expect

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- New changes and additions to some public transportation routes to the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC), which include Pulse buses and a Transit Access Partnership (TAP), are coming to the city, starting on July 8.

The TAP into Transit Day event will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at Main Street Station, serving as the launch of GRTC's brand-new 60-foot articulated Pulse buses and the debut of the TAP.

Starting Sunday, June 28 changes to Route 88, Route 19 and the Pulse will go into effect. On Monday, June 30, GRTC said that they will be expanding two LINK micro transit service zones, according to a release.

This is an effort to help keep the GRTC zero fare, which is set to continue least the end of 2025, with the brand-new $6.8 million in state funding.

The event will be an interactive experience designed to reportedly "showcase how GRTC connects our region—and how easy it is to ride."

GRTC says the Pulse line saw nearly 1.7 million riders last year, with three doors for faster boarding and space for up to 122 riders.

"TAP into Transit Day is more than a bus launch though, it’s a chance to celebrate how transit connects us, and to rally support for a zero-fare future across Central Virginia," the release reads.

The following are the new changes implemented to Pulse:

• Weekdays: Midday changing to 15 from 10 minutes
• Saturdays: No Change
• Sundays: Midday changing to 30 from 15 minutes, Evenings changing to 30 from 15 minutes

The following are the new changes implemented to Route 19:

• Service to sheltering Arms every trip
• 30 minutes after 7 p.m.

The following are the new changes implemented to Route 88:

• 5 stops relocated
• 18 stops removed

As part of the June 30 LINK zone expansions, Powhatan and Sandston LINK micro transit zones are expanding.

"Based on ridership in Sandston, we are taking out the eastern portion to serve more high-demand destinations on the western end," the release reads. "This change keeps rides efficient and wait times low, and increases the service area by 6.5 sq mi."

To RSVP and get more information on these upcoming changes, click here.