COVID-19

In response to COVID-19, GRTC has set up an informational page highlighting the status of the system (as of right now they're operating service normally) and any procedure updates. An important one: "GRTC is currently working to increase the frequency of fleet cleaning, prioritizing CARE vehicles and Pulse buses. CARE vehicles are used by many at-risk passengers and Pulse buses carry more passengers than any other vehicle consistently."

While the new Route #111 in Chesterfield wil launch tomorrow (route information available here), the planned celebration has been canceled. That's certainly the right call, but it's still disappointing. In lieu of celebrating in person, take a minute to read this excellent piece by Rich Griset about the future of public transit in the County.

Additionally, all GRTC public meetings have been canceled, including March's board meeting and the Title VI informational meeting. Also, the first Transit*Talk at Gallery5, which looked really interesting, has also been canceled.

Other than canceling public meetings, the virus will most certainly have an impact on public transportation across the country. Jarrett Walker writes about what happens to our transit agencies if they start running short on revenue. The key takeaway: Maintain service as much as possible, but, if faced with making cuts start with expensive peak-only commuter service. Drastically reduced ridership is not a hypothetical, either. King County Metro reports a 45% drop in ridership over this time last year.

Finally, while there are more pressing and immediate concerns, City Council still plans to discuss the Mayor's proposed budget in the coming weeks. Both Richmond City and Henrico County cut their contribution to GRTC by 50% and look to the yet-to-be-stood-up Central Virginia Transit Authority to replace that funding. As they deliberate, regional legislators should consider the impact of lower ridership, reduced farebox revenue, and an uncertain economy when finalizing the amount of funding available for GRTC. Critically, the region must maintain the existing bus service through the rest of this year and into 2021.

—Ross Catrow