Transportation and Mobility
Alternative forms of transportation not only lower our city's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving air quality, but also contribute to traffic calming, thereby reducing vehicle-related injuries and accidents. To further support your journey and address any questions, we offer a comprehensive range of resources, from federal programs to local bike shops, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Where to Start
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Getting started with reducing your transportation carbon footprint can be as simple as rethinking your daily commute and other travel. Carpooling with others who are going in the same direction to work or your favorite spots is a great first step. If finding carpool partners seems challenging, resources like the Richmond RideFinders can help connect you with potential carpool buddies in your area. For even lower carbon options, consider alternative forms of transit such as biking or taking the bus. Navigating Richmond's public transit system is made easier with the 'Transit' app, which provides real-time information and routes. Currently, taking the GRTC is free through 2025, making it an especially accessible option. While scooters and e-bikes offer flexibility, be aware that they typically have associated fees. Keep in mind that public transit stops may not be conveniently located near all residences, so exploring the options that best fit your location and needs is key to making sustainable transportation choices
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Taking the next step in lowering your transportation impact involves considering a vehicle upgrade. Investing in or switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) can significantly reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. While an electric vehicle often has a higher upfront cost compared to a traditional gasoline car, it's important to take advantage of available tax credits for EVs, which can help offset this initial investment. As you transition to electric, you'll also need to adjust your refueling habits; instead of having a favorite gas station, take a moment to locate and familiarize yourself with your new favorite EV charging stations in the Richmond area, planning your routes and charging stops accordingly.
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At the expert level, actively engaging in systemic change and promoting sustainable transportation for the wider community becomes a key focus. Participating in initiatives like Mobility University is a powerful way to contribute. This FREE, intensive 5-week course aims to educate and empower bus riders to become effective self-advocates for better public transportation. By gaining a deeper understanding of transit systems and developing advocacy skills, you can play a crucial role in shaping policies and improvements that benefit all riders and encourage greater adoption of low-carbon transit options within Richmond.
Dedicated bike lanes on Franklin Street. Source
Build your Toolbox
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US Department of Veterans Affairs
The Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) provides safe and reliable transportation to Veterans who require assistance traveling to and from VA health care facilities and authorized non-VA health care appointments. VTS also partners with service providers in local communities to serve Veterans’ transportation needs. Partners include:
US Department of Transportation
The DOT established the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), which provides funds for projects designed to reduce transportation emissions, defined as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from on-road highway sources.
U.S. Department of Transportation
National Rural Transit Assistance Program aims to create rural and tribal transit solutions through technical assistance, collaboration and free training and transit industry materials
Administration for Community Living
The Accessible Transportation Resource Center a collaboration with FTA/DOT by serving on the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM). One of the goals of the council is to standardize federal programs and services so that transportation disadvantaged persons have access to more transportation services.
The DOE Fuel economy resource guide is a website that helps consumers make informed fuel economy choices when purchasing a vehicle and helps them achieve the best fuel economy possible from the cars they own.
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Richmond region’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, ConnectRVA 2045 was adopted by the RRTPO Policy Board in October 2021. The plan guides the Richmond region’s multi-modal transportation infrastructure investments over the next 23 years. The plan addresses major issues that needs to be addressed in the long-term for all modes of travel including transit, highways, bicycles, pedestrians, and freight.
Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board
Here you will learn how we are revolutionizing transportation through programs like SMART SCALE, our new performance based approach in selecting the right projects that generate the most benefit for the money invested. You’ll also find information on Virginia’s major transportation improvement projects, convenient ways to follow our work and offer suggestions, and even ways to help us spread the news that Virginia is still the birthplace of revolutionary thinking.
VTrans is Virginia's statewide transportation plan. It is prepared for the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) by the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI). VTrans lays out the overarching vision and goals for transportation in the Commonwealth and plans to achieve those goals.
Virginia Department of Transportation
Virginia Safe Routes To School “SRTS” has a new framework to guide local programs. Like you, it's goal-oriented, with the ultimate goal of helping more students to safely walk and bicycle to school. The framework has five building blocks:
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
The Commuter Assistance Program “CAP” is a statewide grant program for programs and projects that are both efficient and effective at increasing ridership on transit, vanpools, and carpooling, leading to moving more people on Virginia’s roads, mitigating traffic congestion, reducing single occupant vehicle trips, reducing vehicle miles traveled, reducing air pollution, and reducing fuel costs for Virginians.
Reducing carbon pollution and traffic by funding public transit options.
Virginia Clean Cities advances air quality improvement, economic opportunity, and energy security through deployment of alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, education programs, and other petroleum reduction activities through the promotion of clean technology and emissions reduction in the Commonwealth.
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GRTC Transit System’s mission is to provide clean, safe, and reliable transportation and to improve mobility and access throughout Central Virginia.
The Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility recognizes that past transportation decisions have created persistent injustices that have harmed people of color, low-income communities, and other marginalized groups, andRVA Connects is the City’s strategic multimodal transportation plan focused on equity that will work towards healing these past injustices by elevating the voices of those harmed.
The Fall Line Trail when complete will connect rural, suburban, and urban landscapes and connect 7 localities and over 800,000 people.
The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation exists to protect, promote, and enhance the Virginia Capital Trail, and to serve as a resource, community builder, and connector to other trails throughout the Commonwealth.
The Bellemeade Community Bike Shop is open 2-6pm, Wednesday through Friday. This when youth and community members can visit the shop for all of their repair needs. They have multiple toolkits available for use and encourage our visitors to learn how to work on their own bikes through onsite expert assistance.
Rag & Bones is a member driven and volunteer run non-profit educational space that aims to provide near universal access to bicycle repair and technical knowledge, affordable bicycles and parts, and a space within which to feel safe and welcome while learning and repairing. Thorough their Earn-A-Bike program participants can volunteer for shop credit they can put towards a new bike or maintenance.
Mobility University is a FREE, intensive 5-week course to educate and empower bus riders to self-advocate for better public transportation.
The GRTC bus in Richmond, Virginia. Source
Sustainability Guide Resources
