News

GRTC Route 20 Orbital at Circle Plaza

February Service Changes Focused on Improving Reliability 

January 27, 2026

GRTC News

Temporary service adjustments will begin February 22, 2026 in order to improve service reliability and reduce last-minute trip cancellations, particularly during nights and weekends.

Routes were reviewed using ridership data and equity considerations, with a focus on prioritizing reliable service. GRTC held a public meeting to discuss the changes on February 9, and these changes have been approved by the GRTC Board of Directors.

Like many transit systems nationwide, GRTC continues to face operator workforce shortages, which can result in missed trips and same-day service cancellations. As additional operators are hired and trained, additional trips will be added.

Temporary Adjustments: 

  • Route 1 – Chamberlayne / Hull / Southside Plaza 
    Weekend service will bypass Reynolds Community College due to lack of classes. 
  • Route 1A – Chamberlayne / Hull / Midlothian 
    Weekday service runs every 60 minutes after 9 PM. Weekend trips alternate between ending at Spring Rock Green and Walmart Way. 
  • Route 5 – Cary / Main / Whitcomb 
    Weekday service runs every 60 minutes after 9 PM. Weekend service runs every 30 minutes until 9 PM, then 60 minutes after 9 PM. 
  • Routes 7A & 7B – Nine Mile / Airport 
    Service runs every 60 minutes after 7 PM. 
  • Route 12 – Church Hill 
    Weekday and Saturday service runs hourly after 9 PM. Sunday service runs every 45 minutes. 
  • Route 14 – Hermitage / East Main 
    Weekday service runs every 60 minutes after 9 PM. Weekend service runs every 45 minutes all day. 
  • Route 19 – West Broad Street 
    Saturday service runs every 30 minutes before 7 PM, then every 60 minutes afterward. Sunday service runs every 60 minutes all day. 
  • Route 20 – Orbital 
    Weekday service runs every 45 minutes all day. 
  • Route 76 – Patterson 
    Weekend service will be removed due to low utilization (averaging two passengers per trip). 
  • Route 79 – Patterson / Parham 
    Service runs every 45 minutes during peak periods only (6–9 AM & 4–6 PM). 
  • Route 87 – Bellemeade / Hopkins 
    No service after 9 PM due to low utilization (four passengers per trip). 
interior of GRTC bus

Improving Reliability

The temporary adjustments will make service more reliable by reducing last-minute trip cancellations. The updates will align scheduled service with available operators so trips that are scheduled are trips that run. And as additional operators are hired and complete GRTC’s rigorous training program, additional trips will be added to the schedule.

The most up-to-date information will be available at ridegrtc.com and through official GRTC channels.