TAKE ACTION
As previously discussed, GRTC has proposed some non-trivial changes to Richmond’s West End bus routes (PDF), and they need your feedback! Fill out this survey if you ride the #75, #76, #77, #79, or #50—or if you just live, work, or play out that way.
The biggest change would be eliminating the #75 (PDF) which currently provides half-hourly, peak-only service from the University of Richmond to Willow Lawn via Libbie (and the Target). The new proposed alignment would shift the #77 from its existing circuitous route (PDF), and provide a straight-line connector between UR and Monroe Park via the VUU/VCU Pulse station. So while folks at UR lose a (not very useful) bus to Target and Willow Lawn, they gain a straight shot to Downtown. Also, keep in mind, that UR does offer some of their own transportation services to students.
AROUND THE REGION
Chesterfieldians! GRTC has put together a bunch of how-to videos, in both English and Spanish, ahead of the launch of the new bus down Route 1. Learn what parts of the corridor the route will serve, how to ride and pay, and even how to safely put your bike on the front of the bus. The new Route #111 (PDF) launches on March 16th, so get excited.
Note! If you use the GRTC mobile app to pay for bus fare, you’ll need to download or update to the new version. You’ll have to log in again, so be sure to have your username and password handy (aka don’t do this while standing at the bus stop)!
ELSEWHERE
TransitCenter has the second in a two-part series looking into whether cities should make their transit systems free. Two important quotes from this piece: “low-income transit riders tend to cite improving service as a higher priority than reducing fares, and that policy makers should act accordingly” and “for agencies with significant ridership or agencies looking to put good transit within reach of more people, however, forgoing all fare revenue would substantially impede the ability to provide service, let alone improve or expand it.”
An example of a more targeted approach comes from Seattle: “King County Metro plans free bus passes for people with very low incomes.” Folks making less than 80% of the federal poverty level ($21,000 for a family of four) would qualify. This is an impressive expansion of Seattle’s existing low-income fare program—something Richmond lacks—which gives families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level ($51,000 for a family of four) access to reduced fares.
Finally, San Antonio shows how bus ridership will go up if cities seriously invest in making buses more frequent and more useful.
—Ross Catrow