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Main Street Station could become Greyhound’s Richmond station
10/29/2024 | 2m 16sVideo has Closed Captions
The lot across Main Street from Main Street Station is set to become Richmond’s interstate bus stop
The city is moving its Greyhound station to the Main Street Station Plaza. But the move raises questions about how well-suited the new location is for the long term.
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VPM News is a local public television program presented by VPM
VPM News
Main Street Station could become Greyhound’s Richmond station
10/29/2024 | 2m 16sVideo has Closed Captions
The city is moving its Greyhound station to the Main Street Station Plaza. But the move raises questions about how well-suited the new location is for the long term.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipBILLY SHIELDS: Richmond's Greyhound Bus Terminal on Arthur Ashe Boulevard has been in use since 1985, a crucial link for out-of-state travelers.
Now it looks all but abandoned.
There are tentative plans to demolish it next year.
Hundreds of residential units are slated for this site, part of the Diamond District project, but that leads to the question city officials are now grappling with.
What next?
DIRONNA MOORE CLARKE: We think the inner city bus service is an affordable choice for people, an alternative to airlines and trains, and it's a necessary mode of transportation.
BILLY SHIELDS: One that recently moved here to the Main Street Station Plaza.
The Committee on Land Use, Housing and Transportation is recommending the city sign a multi-year licensing arrangement with Greyhound, one that would pay the city just over $14,000 a year to make this the company's bus stop.
Some Greyhound busses have stopped here since July.
ANDREAS ADDISON: My concern is just more of the logistics of a giant bus using this every day.
BILLY SHIELDS: But there are questions rolling in.
Officials point out that the Main Street Station Plaza has been used as a bus stop for eight years by other companies, but some on City Council point out that there could be unforeseen circumstances to having now 14 Greyhound busses rolling through here every day.
ANDREAS ADDISON: Its going to take them through a four way intersection stop that during rush hour peak times in the morning and the evening is backed up frequently.
BILLY SHIELDS: Moore Clark said the area can take the traffic.
DIRONNA MOORE CLARKE: That area has already really been reinforced for heavy busses, and our office will continue to support any capital needs that may be affiliated.
But right now, it is built for heavy busses.
BILLY SHIELDS: The area is envisioned to be used as a stop, not a hub, because Greyhound transfers were moved to Norfolk and Raleigh.
But then what are passengers going to use for a lobby?
DIRONNA MOORE CLARKE: People would be expected to come into the station to use the restroom.
and also part of the license agreement the passenger cannot wait any longer than 30 minutes at that site.
BILLY SHIELDS: Greyhound representatives would not comment on the situation.
City Council should vote on the licensing arrangement at its next meeting.
Billy Shields, VPM News.
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