Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
GRTC says zero‑fare remains a priority; council seeks clarity on FY27 city contribution
Summary
GRTC representatives told council they are pursuing federal, CMAQ and advertising revenues to maintain zero‑fare after VCU stopped a prior contribution; council sought confirmation whether the FY27 mayoral budget includes a $1.5M city contribution.
Councilmembers asked how the city and GRTC will sustain the fare‑free transit program in FY27 after past institutional support changed.
Vice President Jordan said zero‑fare is a high‑priority service for residents and asked whether the FY27 budget supports it; members noted VCU previously contributed funds. A GRTC representative said the mayor’s proposed budget did not originally include zero‑fare funding, but GRTC is pursuing multiple revenue streams — federal grants, CMAQ funds, advertising revenue and regional fundraising — and is willing to support a council amendment if council chooses to include a contribution.
Why it matters: GRTC said maintaining zero‑fare requires annual revenue on the order of $1–2 million; council and staff discussed whether the city should add $1.5 million to the FY27 baseline or rely on CMAQ, fare revenue alternatives and fundraising.
Key details
- Past arrangements: GRTC said VCU previously provided over $1 million to offset costs for students and faculty; that contract was not renewed and did not continue to fund systemwide zero‑fare.
- Current revenue mix: GRTC said FY26 used surplus, CMAQ grant support and advertising revenue; GRTC is pursuing other federal funds and regional support and has a new staff position to help fundraising.
Attributable quote
- "We are collaborative partners with VCU... As that contract ended, we did reengage with their leadership... they made that decision not to renew that $1,000,000 ask," a GRTC representative said.
Next steps
Councilmembers who seek a dedicated city contribution signaled they may advance or support an amendment; GRTC said it will continue outreach to partners and revisit funding pathways.
Provenance: Council questions and GRTC answers appear in the human services Q&A and the transit segment of the work session (topicintro: VP Jordan question at SEG 668; topfinish: GRTC discussion about CMAQ and sponsorships at SEG 1766).
