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Blog | 3 min read
Public transit supports Greater Richmond’s success
November 25, 2024
Public transportation in Greater Richmond has made great strides to improve both the region’s accessibility and the quality of life for residents. For example, initiatives like the GRTC Pulse, a modern and high-capacity rapid transit system, enable employees to reach their workplaces conveniently and affordably, helping to lower potential barriers of entry for new hires. Plus, local commute times are an average of just 25.6 minutes with minimal traffic congestion thanks to the local transit network.
Ranking among the Top 10
According to ConsumerAffairs, Greater Richmond ranks among the top 10 Best Cities for Public Transportation in the United States. ConsumerAffairs compared public transit systems in the nation’s 50 largest cities with data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Transit Database. With a total score of 52.41, Greater Richmond outperforms competitor markets including Washington, D.C., at 48.53 and Raleigh, N.C., at 45.65. Notably, Greater Richmond’s public transit network earned a perfect score for its compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Regional collaboration
The GRTC Pulse is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond and Henrico County. Thanks to partnerships between the region’s local governments, Greater Richmond businesses located along the Pulse route like SimpliSafe and T-Mobile have access to a larger talent pool, ensuring companies can find the workers they need to succeed.
VCU Health and Bon Secours Richmond Health System sponsored the GRTC Pulse initiative with a $6.4 million agreement in which the health systems can use the GRTC Pulse to promote health education and community well-being. Higher education institutions are also in the mix with campus bus stops.
Increased ridership
The GRTC Pulse has significantly increased public transit usage in Greater Richmond. The initiative reduced travel times by 33 percent and boosted bus speeds by 65 percent. By driving eco-friendly compressed natural gas vehicles, the Pulse supports green initiatives, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility that resonates with riders.
Alternative transportation
Greater Richmond’s transportation options are many, and its residents don’t shy from the unusual. Weather permitting, Dominion Energy CEO Robert Blue even kayaks to his company’s downtown Richmond office tower. In Greater Richmond, residents have no issue cycling, carpooling, ridesharing or even renting an electric scooter for their daily commute to and from work.
