GRTC announced it has begun construction on a new downtown transfer station, according to the agency's news release.

The new downtown transfers station is being built on a parking lot at 8th and Clay streets to replace the current on-street transfer area along 9th Street between Marshall and Leigh Streets, according to GRTC. It will accommodate 12 bus bays in a saw-tooth design for departures of up to 10 standard buses and two articulated buses at a time.

GRTC said it worked with the City of Richmond’s Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility to secure a new transfer area as the pending redevelopment of the public safety building will require GRTC to vacate the current transfer area.

Though the new downtown transfer station is expected to be used for several years, GRTC said it will continue to work with project partners, the City of Richmond, and other downtown stakeholders to secure a site for a permanent transportation hub in downtown Richmond.

A combination of federal, state, and local dollars will fund the new $2.2 million project. Construction will be completed in spring 2023, according to GRTC. The southern gated portion of the lot is excluded from the project and will remain in use during construction.

The City of Richmond has arranged alternate public parking in the Coliseum Garage located at 501 N 7th Street. It will be open to the public 24 hours during weekdays and weekends. The standard rate for the Coliseum is $5 per hour, with an option for all day parking for $20. Centralized pay stations are available in the garage. Public off-street parking also is available nearby, including at 7th, 5th, and Main Street Station. Main street station offers the opportunity to ride the Pulse for free to the downtown center, GRTC said.