PUBLIC TRANSIT OPERATORS’ RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE CASE OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) experienced a substantial downturn in its system transit ridership. In response to this emergency, GRTC immediately took bold measures to protect its operators and riders, such as: serving essential trips, adjusting operating schedules, offering free transit services, broadening funding sources, and others. As a result, GRTC successfully overcame the pandemic crises and embarked on the road to full recovery in its transit operation. The successful lessons from GRTC could also be transferable to other similar transit services in the U.S.