RICHMOND, Va. -- A City of Richmond committee has approved Greyhound to use Main Street Station as a bus stop for the next two years.
This is the final approval needed before the city council makes the final decision.
Richmond City's Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Committee approved a contract Tuesday that will allow Greyhound to use the plaza across the street from Main Street Station for bus drop off and pick up. This comes after the current station on Arthur Ashe Boulevard closed on October 20.
On Tuesday, the project advanced after the committee heard updates. This is the final approval needed before city council makes a final decision.
Greyhound is proposing a two-year lease agreement with Richmond where the city would not take on any liability.
According to the city, Greyhound revamped transfer hubs along the East Coast to accommodate that this new Richmond location will function differently.
Andreas Addison, chairman of the committee shared some hesitations before voting in favor of the project.
“My problem is not the location. My problem is the logistics to support it," Addison said. "That’s what I have been hearing. Concerns about that problem."
Caroline Tobe attended the meeting and said she supported an expansion of equitable travel options.
"I think that is a great option for people moving or travelers that don't have a lot of money to spend but that might give them more options," Tobe said. "Having that connection there at the Main Street Station to continue to make it more accessible for varying needs or people traveling."
Dozens of community members also weighed in on the CBS 6 Facebook page.
Cameron Britland wrote: "Makes sense. Make it a transportation hub with Amtrak, VRE, and Greyhound. GRTC should also be involved."
Steven Ritter wrote: "It’s going to be very tight getting in and out of there for tons of buses."
A city official who gave the presentation said the station plaza was designed for buses and has been operating with buses for 8 years without issues.
She added that the city can make adjustments as needed to ensure any issues are handled.
City Council will now make the final vote on whether Greyhound will find a permanent home at Main Street Station.
What do you think of Main Street Station now being a bus stop for Greyhound? Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom.
