Only One Quarter of Richmond Bus Stops Have Benches, Shade

A recent report highlights the lack of safe infrastructure at the Virginia capital’s bus stops.

1 minute read

August 7, 2023, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Purple GRTC bus stopped at a bus station with bench and shelter in Richmond, Virginia.

Greater Richmond Transit Company / GRTC

A “State of Transit” report from RVA Rapid Transit reveals that almost three-quarters of bus stops in Richmond, Virginia lack benches or shelter, reports Ian M. Stewart for Virginia Public Media, “and according to GRTC’s essential infrastructure plan from last year, less than half of these stops have the necessary landing pads required by the federal American with Disabilities Act.”

As Stewart explains, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation works with over 40 other state transportation agencies to develop designs for bus shelters, based on site ownership, that meet building codes and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. “It can take more than two years and thousands of dollars for a bus shelter to be put in, according to an earlier story VPM News reported.”

Stewart writes that “Officials with GRTC said they have a goal of installing 160 new shelters and 627 new benches by the year 2027.” However, the agency’s board, which voted to support that goal, did not allocate additional funding to the project but instead hopes to acquire funding from VDOT or the Central Virginia Transportation Agency.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Virginia Public Media

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

6 hours ago - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Public Market sign over Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington with pop-up booths on street.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market Leans Into Pedestrian Infrastructure

After decades of debate, the market is testing a car ban in one of its busiest areas and adding walking links to the surrounding neighborhood.

5 hours ago - Cascade PBS

Yellow and silver light rain train in downtown Long Beach, California.

The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?

In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.

7 hours ago - Secret Los Angeles

Man reaching for young girl sliding down playground slide.

Quantifying Social Infrastructure

New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?

May 15 - Happy Cities