By Jimmy Young, guest blogger & Collegian Reporter

Richmonders voiced concern Tuesday night at City Hall about possible reductions and eliminations of several bus routes operated by the Greater Richmond Transit Company, including one that rides to and from the University of Richmond campus.

While no plan has been finalized, GRTC must make a final decision about which, if any, bus routes they will cut by January 2009, said GRTC Chief Executive Officer John M. Lewis Jr.

Regarding service to the University of Richmond, Lewis suggested the university enter into an agreement with GRTC similar to one the company has with Virginia Commonwealth University, where the school pays for its own service. Such a plan would provide service for university staff and students to use it regularly, he said.

The meeting — the third one so far — was led by Lewis and included a presentation about the current problems facing the company.

The current economic situation, coupled with a lack of funding from the City of Richmond, has placed GRTC in a difficult financial situation, Lewis said. The company will face a budget shortfall beginning in the 2009 fiscal year and must make changes immediately because it will be unable to operate in a deficit, Lewis said.

Increasing fuel costs and low ridership in some areas have handcuffed GRTC and forced it to look at various remedies for the problem, including reducing service and eliminating some bus routes. Westhampton Route 16, which serves the University of Richmond, is one of nine routes that face elimination.

About 50 people use Westhampton Route 16, Lewis said. The high cost of keeping the line running for such a low number of passengers isn’t financially prudent anymore, he said.

GRTC must somehow find an additional $4 million to maintain its current level of operation in 2009. The City Council has pledged $1.6 million.

Some lines will need to be eliminated, Lewis said, and  a mere reduction of services across the board or on specific lines will not suffice .

The recent drop in fuel costs will help GRTC several years down the road, Lewis said, but will do nothing to remedy the financial problems plaguing the company right now.

During the question-and-answer session after Lewis’s presentation, citizens suggested GRTC market its product better by stressing the advantages of using public transportation. Some said they thought more people would ride GRTC buses if the quality of customer service were to improve. Lewis acknowledged the problems with GRTC, and said older buses would be replaced in the coming years.

Contact reporter Jimmy Young at jimmy.young@richmond.edu