The Greater Richmond Transit Company’s (GRTC) board approved the agency’s FY2027 operating and capital budget, continuing its investment in reliable transit service, critical infrastructure, and Open Access transit across the Richmond, Virginia, region.

The approved FY2027 budget totals approximately $101 million. It maintains Open Access transit for another fiscal year, allowing riders to continue accessing GRTC services without fares. At the same time, the agency works alongside regional and community partners on long-term funding efforts.

“Fare-free transit continues to make a real difference for families and riders across our region,” said Sheryl Adams, CEO of GRTC. “As our communities continue to grow, we must continue prioritizing accessibility, reliability, and connectivity through public transportation.”

GRTC’s Budget Highlights

The budget builds on a year of record ridership and continued system growth. In FY2026, GRTC surpassed 12 million passenger trips, reflecting continued demand for transit across the region.

Key FY2027 priorities include:

• Continued Open Access transit service.
• Advancing the Pulse Western Extension project.
• Continued development of the North-South Pulse corridor.
• Progress toward the Downtown Transfer Hub.
• Expansion of Essential Transit Infrastructure (ETI), including shelters, benches, and ADA-accessible improvements.

GRTC also continues to advance sustainability efforts through the Transit Access Partnership, expanded community partnerships, fundraising initiatives, and growing advertising revenue to support the long-term future of Open Access transit in the Richmond region.