GRTC Pulse Western Extension

Project Overview

Project Purpose

The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) launched the Pulse Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system on June 24, 2018. The Pulse runs a 7.6-mile route along Broad and Main Streets from Rocketts Landing in the City of Richmond to Willow Lawn in Henrico County.

With the Western Extension project, GRTC is extending the Pulse westward from the Willow Lawn Station to Parham Road. The extension corridor is approximately four miles in length and connects several major commercial areas.

Project Schedule

Project Area Map

Project Need & Studies

Henrico County is experiencing continued growth and redevelopment along the Broad Street corridor. Additional transit service is critical to serve the growing number of residents and visitors to the area.

  • The 2017 Greater RVA Transit Vision Plan (TVP) identified an extension to Short Pump as a logical next step for the Pulse BRT system.

    The Plan process used a detailed analysis to identify areas with the highest likelihood of transit use based on the presence of community facilities, pedestrian network and connectivity, roadway suitability, and ridership potential.

  • In this 2022-2023 study, GRTC and PlanRVA, in coordination with Henrico County, identified Parham as the end of the Pulse Western Extension.

    A further extension to Short Pump will be explored in a future process.

What is Bus Rapid Transit?

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a modern, high capacity rapid transit system. It operates much like light rail, with dedicated lanes, off-board payment, and enhanced stations, but has the flexibility and lower cost of bus vehicles. BRT systems often include the features described below.

Stations with features such as all-door boarding and high-quality pedestrian connectivity to enhance access.

Stations with features such as all-door boarding and high-quality pedestrian connectivity to enhance access.

Buses designed for improved passenger comfort and with unique branding. (Photo: BeyondDC via Flickr.)

Buses designed for improved passenger comfort and with unique branding. (Photo: BeyondDC via Flickr.)

Information technology systems with features such as real-time bus tracking.

Information technology systems with features such as real-time bus tracking.

Dedicated lanes and other features that reduce overall travel times and enhance reliability. 

Dedicated lanes and other features that reduce overall travel times and enhance reliability. 

Service plans and frequencies that prioritize reliable, frequent, and efficient service. (Photo: BeyondDC via Flickr.)

Service plans and frequencies that prioritize reliable, frequent, and efficient service. (Photo: BeyondDC via Flickr.)