Route 25 Richmond, Virginia

History of Route 25

Route25 has been a backbone of Richmonds publictransport network since the early 1920s. Originally a streetcar line operated by the Richmond Railway Company, it ran along what is today Broad Street, connecting the downtown core with the northern suburbs. The line was electrified in 1935, and after World WarII the city replaced the streetcars with dieselpowered buses, a move that allowed greater flexibility on Richmonds growing road network.

In the 1970s the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) partnered with the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) to modernize the service. Route25 was extended to the new Richmond International Airport and later shortened slightly when the airport shuttle (Route32) began operation. The 1990s saw the introduction of lowfloor buses, improving accessibility for passengers with mobility challenges. Today, Route25 remains one of the most heavily used routes in the city, serving commuters, students, and tourists alike.

Current Route Description

Route25 travels in a northsouth corridor, beginning at Broad Street Station in downtown Richmond and terminating at Henrico County Government Center. The main points of interest along the way include:

• Virginia State Capitol
• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
• Monroe Park
• Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Campus
• St.Clair Hospital
• Richmond International Airport (via a short shuttle connection)

The route operates primarily along Broad Street, with a short deviation onto Main Street near VCU to serve the universitys health science campus. Buses travel in dedicated lanes where available, helping maintain a reliable schedule even during peak traffic.

Service Frequency & Schedule

Weekday Service Buses run every 10minutes during rush hour (6:30am9:30am and 3:30pm6:30pm). Outside of peak periods, the frequency drops to 1520minutes until 10pm.

Saturday Service Buses operate every 20minutes from 7am to 11pm.

Sunday & Holiday Service Service runs every 30minutes from 8am to 9pm.

Travel Tips for Riders

• Pay with a SmarTrip card Its faster than cash and offers a small fare discount.
• Board through the front door This is required for all GRTC buses and ensures the driver can verify your payment.
• Know the bus stop ahead signs They are placed at major intersections; they light up when a bus is approaching.
• Use the wheelchair ramp All Route25 buses are equipped with lowfloor designs and deployable ramps.
• Plan for airport connections If you need to reach Richmond International Airport, transfer at the Broad Street Station to Route32, which runs every 15minutes.
• Stay safe at night Most stops are well lit; consider riding with a companion during the lateevening hours.

For firsttime visitors, the most convenient stop for downtown attractions is the Capitol Square stop, located just a short walk from the State Capitol and the historic Main Street District. Students at VCU appreciate the VCU Health Sciences stop, which provides direct access to the universitys medical and nursing schools.

Route25 also participates in the GRTCs Green Ride program, where a portion of fare revenue is invested in electric bus pilots and sustainability projects. Riders can help identify areas for improvement by submitting feedback through the GRTC website.