Sheila Hill-Christian, Richmond’s chief administrative officer, announced yesterday a plan to bring “bus rapid-transit” and eventually a light rail to Richmond from Shockoe Bottom to Willow Lawn, and eventually extend the line to Short Pump. That is the best news I’ve heard in a long time that truly indicates that Richmond is looking to its future and planning ahead. On the other hand, I think they should go straight for the light rail system, or something comperable. I’m not sure how many Richmonders will be convinced to give up their car just to ride another bus. Especially if they already own the cars. Shouldn’t we just do it right the first time?
What will make folks ride the high speed bus? More traffic, higher gas prices, and incentives from employers or the City that encourage them to.
In our family, I can see us using it, especially if the price of gas continues to go up if they are willing to pick up at major intersections, not just bus stations. But, will that defeat the whole purpose and slow the bus down? Also, where will they provide parking at Willow Lawn and Short Pump for all those cars, for the folks that drive to the bus stations? Will they include alternate energy resources in the plan? This project will require regional cooperation. Can the counties and city ever agree? Can they really work together for the sake of the greater good of the Richmond Region? So many questions to be answered!

GRTC is seeking state funding to design and engineer the service, called “bus rapid transit,” as a less-expensive alternative to building a light-rail system to serve downtown and the rest of the region.

“Long-term, the best solution is rail,” said John T. Lewis Jr., GRTC’s chief executive officer. “But let’s recognize the funding realities.”

In a statement released yesterday, Sheila Hill-Christian, Richmond’s chief administrative officer, said the city is “committed to the development of rapid bus transit as a precursor to light rail development, which is so strongly needed.”

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The buses wouldn’t be the same as the ones that lumber through downtown now. The buses would carry up to 90 passengers — who would board at stations rather than curbside stops — and employ a technology that limits time spent waiting at stoplights.

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