RICHMOND, Va - Bus riders can now breathe a sigh of relief because Richmond's transit system is greatly improving services for its loyal customers.
A Federal grant of $24 million dollars will go to the Bus Rapid Transit system and will shorten the current commute. Mayor Dwight Jones joined Governor Terry McAuliffe and US-DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx to announce a Federal grant.
"This is just a tremendous shot in the arm in terms of us getting started on 21st century solutions to our transportation problem,” said Dwight Jones, Richmond Mayor.
The new bus line will start at Broad Street and go to Willow Lawn and end at Rocketts Landing.
"It's going to provide a big impact helping people with jobs. It's going to provide Economic Development all along that corridor,” said David Greene, CEO, GRTC.
But some bus rider are concerned about safety following an accident on the bus last week.
"It's something the Transit companies across the United States deal with and look at trying to combat,” said David Green, CEO, GRTC.
To ease people's minds GRTC has installed cameras to capture the everyday hustle and bustle. Officials say if you notice anything suspicious or feel threatened on a bus, call 911 and let police handle the situation .
But Greene says a big obstacle to improve conditions on a consistent basis is money and manpower. "Our operating budget is already a challenge,” said Greene.
