TAKE ACTION

GRTC could make some significant changes to the routes in the western portion of the City as part of their May service update. You can check out a presentation on the proposed changes here (PDF). Note that the #75 will merge with a realigned #77. While that sounds like a service reduction, this is mostly a coverage expansion after all is said and done—extending the #50 to Downtown and #77 to Monroe Park are nice additions. But be sure to check out the maps because each of the #50, #75, #76, #77, and #79 will change should these tweaks move forward.

If you’d like to weigh in on the proposed changes, GRTC will hold a public meeting on Thursday, February 13th at the Main Branch Richmond Public Library (101 E. Franklin Street) from 6:00–7:00 PM.

ELSEWHERE

Here’s a quick story from Madison about how installing a queue jumper at a light proved to be a quick and easy way to speed up bus service. Something like this on 14th Street in downtown Richmond would be a huge help to the Pulse and the #1ABC during rush hour.

After recently launching their new BRT, Indianapolis just increased the frequency on two routes, adding 150 new trips each week. That’s incredible! There are definitely a couple of routes that could see increased frequency in Richmond—the #12 in the East End, the #14 on the Northside, and the #86 on the Southside. In addition to increased frequency on a handful of routes, Richmond should explore extending daytime service hours from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

—Ross Catrow