The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) says ridership continues to increase with zero fare

GRTC Bus with Zero FarePhoto byGRTCFanner2011/Wikipedia Screenshot

According to RVA Hub, the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) continues to report increased ridership along most routes. That means the zero-fare program implemented in spring 2020, near the start of the pandemic, is paying for itself.

About the zero-fare program

GRTC spokesperson Henry Bendon said the fare-free initiative led GRTC to become one of the fastest-growing public transportation systems in the country. In July 2024, Consumer Affairs ranked Richmond No. 4 of the top 10 cities for public transportation based on cost, efficiency, and safety. It noted that Richmond’s public transit system is safer and more efficient than many other large cities’ services.

Bendon related:

“Ridership is fantastic, growth is positive, and we’re able to expand this freedom of transit to more communities, into especially more vulnerable communities, who are facing increasing burdens with rent and other transportation costs.”

Over 10.9 million riders used the bus system last year across all routes. According to Bendon, ridership is expected to increase by 60% in the next decade as more routes are added. He also said that GRTC will continue implementing zero fares until further notice.

Residents who rely on the bus as their sole means of transportation worry less because of the zero-fare program. They are saving money they used to pay for transportation. Now, they can use that savings to pay for something else.

RVA Rapid Transit

Faith Walker, executive director of RVA Rapid Transit, an organization that advocates for a high-quality regional transit system, said:

“Richmond is ranking the highest in ridership in the whole state of Virginia for the first time in a long time, and that is because of zero fare.”

The zero fare is not only benefitting riders, but it has also led to increased state funding. In other words, Walker said, "The zero fare is paying for itself."