Permanent Downtown Transfer Hub -GRTC

Permanent Downtown Transfer Hub

The future Downtown Transfer Hub will sit at the crossroads with the planned north south Pulse Bus Rapid Transit line, creating a central connection point for riders traveling throughout the city to improve connections, comfort, and reliability.

Building on a shared vision for equitable access and high-quality transit, GRTC and the City of Richmond’s Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility (OETM), are leading this effort to address longstanding inequities across the transportation network with a rider focused transit facility paired with a mixed-use development.

What’s Happening?

The future Downtown Transfer Hub will deliver both a modern transit facility and long-term economic value for the city.

The project includes an ultramodern 10-bay transfer facility with enhanced passenger amenities and operator support spaces, replacing outdated facilities and improving overall rider experience. The development will also include privately developed mixed use housing and commercial development to support a vibrant downtown.

A central component of the project is the reconnection of East Clay Street between 9th and 10th Streets, restoring a critical link in the downtown street grid. This connection will strengthen pedestrian access between transit, the Greater Richmond Convention Center, surrounding hotels, and the broader downtown core, while supporting a more walkable, active corridor.

Process

In fall 2023, GRTC began studying options for a permanent Downtown Transfer Hub. After careful evaluation, Site 9 — the former Public Safety Building at 500 N 10th Street — was selected, and the City of Richmond entered into a memorandum of understanding with GRTC to advance the project. The planning team, managed by HR & A with support from VHB and Design Collective, identified the site’s potential for transforming a key site within the City Center Innovation District into a modern transit anchor and vibrant mixed-use destination.

“Downtown connectivity plays a major role in supporting economic growth, accessibility, and long-term investment in Richmond’s urban core,” said Angie Rodgers, Executive Director of the Richmond Economic Development Authority. “This project represents an opportunity to strengthen the connection between transit and development while creating a more active and connected downtown.”

At the end of 2025, GRTC and the City of Richmond released a Request for Qualifications seeking development teams to help bring the project to life. The RFQ closed on January 30, 2026, and received multiple submissions, signaling strong interest in delivering a rider focused transit facility paired with a mixed-use development.

GRTC has now issued the Request for Proposals (RFP) to these teams to advance the design and delivery of the Downtown Transfer Hub and mixed-use overbuild.

“The quality of responses received through the RFQ process reflects the value and potential of this project,” said Adrienne Torres, Chief of Staff and Chief Development Officer at GRTC. “We look forward to advancing the next phase with development teams that understand the value of transit-oriented growth, connectivity, and long-term regional access.”

The selected developer will help advance a two-phase vision:

A private mixed-use overbuild that may include residential, commercial, retail, and other placemaking components.
A state-of-the-art, 10-bay Downtown Transfer Hub with rider amenities and operator support spaces.

Timeline

Planning and funding efforts for the transit component are moving forward as the project advances into its next phase. GRTC and the City expect final developer selection by the end of the year.