GRTC expands LINK Microtransit pilot program to Sandston, Elko
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The Greater Richmond Transit Company launched the final LINK Microtransit zone of its pilot program July 1, providing free on-demand transit to members of the Sandston and Elko communities in Eastern Henrico.
The program, which GRTC has been developing since 2021, seeks to expand its reach throughout Metro Richmond to areas not supported by the traditional bus system. LINK Microtransit vans bring riders from any point within their zone to any other point in the zone, GRTC spokesperson and communications specialist Henry Bendon said.
GRTC’s LINK zones were chosen based on a need for transit in specific areas in the Richmond-metro area.
“In 2021 there was a regional microtransit study that was done [by Plan RVA and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation], and they identified communities that had high propensity for transit ridership based on demographic factors,” Bendon said. “They generated a priority list of areas where they would like to see microtransit pilots, just to see if it was something that might work for those communities.”
The Sandston and Elko communities were high-priority areas, he said.
“[We are] trying to find areas where we can connect communities that don't have access to public transit, to transit,” said Varina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson, who also chairs the nine-member GRTC Board of Directors. “We just kind of fill in gaps.”
GRTC currently has five LINK zones in its pilot program to fill in such gaps: Azalea in Northern Henrico; Ashland; Clover Dale; Powhatan; and now Sandston/Elko.
While the Sandston Elko zone completes the LINK pilot program, GRTC may establish more zones in the future if the program is a success. So far, it has been successful in terms of ridership, wait times, and ride fulfillment, according to Bendon – but more information detailing the successes will come from GRTC as officials gather more data on the program.
GRTC’s LINK Microtransit is available in all five zones Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. using the GRTC on the Go app or by booking a ride over the phone.
