News
Route 88 Transitioning to LINK Microtransit in January; Expanded Booking Options in Powhatan
January 07, 2026
GRTC News
New changes are coming to better serve the Southside community.
Route 88 will be replaced by the Broad Rock LINK Microtransit zone on January 26, offering riders a more flexible and convenient way to get where they need to go.
The microtransit zone launched in October and is already showing strong early success.
- Total ridership grew more than six times from October to November.
- Unduplicated ridership more than doubled, while total trips increased at a much faster rate, indicating riders are not just trying the service once but returning to use it again.
Replacing Route 88 with LINK Microtransit gives riders more flexibility than a traditional bus route. Instead of walking to a bus stop and waiting for a scheduled bus, LINK comes to you with curb to curb service.
Riders can request trips on demand to get to school, work, medical appointments, and more. Like the rest of GRTC’s network, LINK gives everyone open access to travel anywhere in a zone at no cost.
Broad Rock LINK Service Hours
- Monday–Friday: 5:30 am – 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
Points of Interest Accessible by LINK in the Broad Rock Zone
Riders Can Book Ahead in Powhatan
Meanwhile, riders in the Powhatan LINK zone can book rides up to 24 hours in advance beginning January 26. Riders are encouraged to book ahead whenever possible to help ensure a ride at their preferred time.
The Powhatan Zone includes the entire county of Powhatan, plus “Pockets” of service for popular destinations outside Powhatan, including Westchester Commons and Chesterfield Towne Center.
How to Ride
Download the App or Call Us
Download the GRTC On the Go app and create an account — available on the App Store ® and on Google Play™. To book over the phone, call (804) 358-4782. Wheelchair accessible service is available when requested on the app or by phone.
Book and Wait For Your Ride
Enter your starting point and destination within the zone. If you need space for a wheelchair, be sure to select the passenger type that meets your needs. A LINK van will meet you at the pick up location. Note the arrival time and be ready 5 minutes early. Maximum 4 passengers per booking. Take a look at your zone below for details on expected wait times. Riders are encouraged to book trips at least one hour prior to the end of service. Beginning Jan. 26, riders in Powhatan may book their rides up to 24 hours in advance.
Enjoy Your Ride
LINK is a comfortable, safe, and sustainable way to navigate around your community. You may pick up other riders traveling in the same direction during your trip. Book another ride in the app to your next destination or connect with nearby GRTC bus routes
LINK is an on demand, shared ride service that lets you book trips when you need them within the Broad Rock zone. Instead of following a fixed route or schedule, LINK picks you up and drops you off at locations within the service area.