Public transit agency, GRTC, is enhancing bus stops across its network with improved facilities under the ETI Project
The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) is making significant strides with its Essential Transit Infrastructure (ETI) Project, aiming to enhance bus stops throughout the cities of Richmond, Henrico County, and Chesterfield County, Virginia.
The ETI Project encompasses a variety of upgrades, including the installation of new benches, shelters, and ADA-compliant features. Older shelters that have reached the end of their useful life are being removed and replaced as part of the project.
In recent developments, from April 18 to June 27, GRTC made significant progress, adding 5 new benches, 7 new shelters, and 11 new trash cans. By June 27, a total of 58 benches, 31 shelters, and 56 trash cans have been installed. As of this date, these improvements can be found across the GRTC service area.
Equity is a key factor in prioritising stops for upgrades. Each stop is evaluated using an equity score, taking into account factors such as the number of routes serving the stop, longest wait times, frequency relative to overall network coverage, proximity to key community destinations, and socioeconomic context. Areas with higher concentrations of minority, low-income, or Limited English Proficiency populations are given priority.
The new shelters are being updated with more functional and modern designs to better meet the needs of today's riders. Preference is given to installing three-sided shelters for better protection from rain, wind, and other elements when space allows.
To keep the public informed about the ETI Project's progress, GRTC offers several tools. The official GRTC website provides a news section with the latest announcements about ETI and other transit improvements. GRTC also has an official Bus Tracker and mobile app called LINK, which allows riders to check real-time transit status and plan routes efficiently. Interested individuals can also sign up to receive monthly email updates from GRTC to stay informed about project milestones and service changes related to ETI and the wider network.
GRTC's goal is for 50 to 75 percent of bus stops to have a shelter or seating by 2027, marking a significant improvement in the rider experience across the system. The ETI Project is a testament to GRTC's commitment to enhancing transit infrastructure and creating a more accessible and enjoyable journey for all riders.
[1] Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) website. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ridegrtc.com/ [2] GRTC News. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ridegrtc.com/news/ [3] GRTC LINK app. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ridegrtc.com/link/ [4] GRTC Email Updates. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ridegrtc.com/subscribe/
- The ETI Project, led by Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC), involves not only the installation of new bus benches, shelters, and trash cans, but also the removal and replacement of older, non-functional shelters.
- In addition to physical upgrades, GRTC offers digital tools for the public to stay informed about the ETI Project's progress, such as the official GRTC website, Bus Tracker, mobile app (LINK), and email updates.
- As part of its commitment to creating a more accessible and enjoyable journey for all riders, GRTC aims to have 50 to 75 percent of bus stops equipped with a shelter or seating by 2027, making significant strides in the public-transit industry's infrastructure.
