GRTC welcomes more riders, updates routes and policies

GRTC continues to update passenger policies during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and is expanding space on-board for passengers.  The barrier cord in buses has been shifted forward, allowing for more standing room as ridership continues to increase on many local routes to near pre-pandemic levels.

Because of the increase in community transmission resulting from the Delta variant, GRTC will continue rear door boarding for most passengers to protect operators at the front.  Front door boarding remains open for passengers needing assistance, the ramp, or ADA seating at the front. With the return to in-person school, unaccompanied minors are permitted to ride.

The federal mask order remains in effect through Sept. 13, which means all passengers must continue to properly wear face masks throughout their trip with GRTC, regardless of vaccination status. Passengers with symptoms of illness are asked not to ride. Customers are still not allowed to have an extended ride (a ride that is more than one round trip); passengers must exit the bus when reaching the stop where they originally boarded.

Among other updates, the GRTC Pulse Willow Lawn currently drops off at a temporary location while Henrico Department of Public Works is repairing Byrd Street at West Broad Street, closing Byrd between Markel and Broad. Buses will let passengers exit the Pulse at Bus Stop No. 2379 in front of Jason’s Deli on southbound Willow Lawn Drive. The Pulse will detour around the road closure and then pick up passengers at the Willow Lawn Pulse station as usual.

Service updates are scheduled to take effect September 12, and new public timetables will be available online in early September.

For details about route changes and updates, visit http://ridegrtc.com.