GRTC surprises bus commuters with free passes in celebration of “Try Transit Week”

GRTC bus riders were surprised the first day of “Try Transit Week” throughout the day on Monday. The regional bus systesm’s Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Adams rode bus routes throughout the day, providing a few lucky commuters with unlimited ride seven day passes.

An initiative put on by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, other localities across the Commonwealth are participating in “Try Transit Week” in similar ways.

“As we encourage everyone to try transit this week, it’s important to first thank our riders already benefitting from GRTC,” Adams said.

As a way to encourage those who have not tried using public transit before, GRTC has put together a handy “How To Ride Guide” to ease  the anxiety and stress of learning how to ride.

Some stats on the benefits of public transit in Richmond, provided by GRTC officials:

• Monthly downtown parking rates are as high as $140 per month or more. Tolls from Chesterfield and south Richmond to Downtown Richmond amount to $86 per month.
• GRTC mitigates congestion and vehicle wear-and-tear. Riders eliminate 2.4 Million vehicle trips and 18.3 Million vehicle miles traveled annually.
• Riders save 771,000 gallons of fuel annually, saving riders money and improving air quality.
• Bus commuters eliminate 18 million pounds of greenhouse gas annually, improving regional air quality.
• Each GRTC express bus frees up 56 downtown parking spaces.

New riders can take the Try Transit Week pledge, where they can enter for a chance to win a year of free transit service. The initiative runs through Friday, September 23rd.