The new bus rapid transit system now carries more than 6,000 riders daily, exceeding and almost doubling the goal of 3,500 daily riders officials aimed for.
The GRTC Pulse bus rapid transit system is exceeding ridership expectations three months into service, officials recently announced.
Over 56,952 riders took buses between Willow Lawn and Rocketts Landing during the first week of service when rides were also free. Three months into revenue service, ridership has steadily increased since the week after free rides, according to Carrie Rose Pace, Director of Communications for the transit system.
The system is averaging 33,000 riders per week as of the most recent estimates. On an average weekday, GRTC Pulse now carries more than 6,000 riders daily, exceeding and almost doubling the goal of 3,500 daily riders.
A new program providing VCU students, faculty, and staff with free rides on the GRTC Pulse has also led to increased ridership, officials say.
Last week, Pulse buses began increasing their frequency, arriving every ten minutes.
The service remains in its integration period. With service now underway, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to pay close attention to traffic signage, lane markings, and signalization.