Oct. 7 Newsletter: Pulse bus line beating projections as three expansion projects begin
Weather: One more warm day before temperatures cool; high of 79.
On this date in 1864, the Civil War's Battle of Darbytown and New Market Roads took place in Henrico County. The battle ended with Confederate troops withdrawing to Richmond.
Pulse bus continues to beat rider projections as future growth is discussed
When GRTC officials started planning the Pulse bus line, they expected about 3,500 riders would use the service each day. As Richmond marked the line's sixth anniversary earlier this year, Charlotte Matherly reports, it is close to doubling that projection.
Now, three expansion plans are in various stages of implementation:
- Adding articulated buses which are longer than the current buses, allowing increased capacity. Those will enter service mid-2025.
- Expanding the western portion of the Pulse to Parham Road, bringing more Henrico residents onto the route by 2028.
- Beginning work on a second Pulse line, which would run north-south, with the goal of a 2030 launch date. Read more here.
Carytown lights up new sign for the first time
Hollywood has its iconic sign, Mayor Levar Stoney said Friday evening, and now Carytown does too.
The roughly $100,000 sign, Graham Moomaw reports, was funded by American Rescue Plan money meant to help businesses bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. The sign project was spearheaded by the Carytown Merchants Association in partnership with city officials.
The design is meant to evoke Carytown's Art Deco vibe from its beginnings in 1938 with the opening of the Cary Court shopping center. Read more here
A TikTok cooking star became a Richmonder this spring. She's a fan.
TikTok star Susi Vidal, who is known for her innuendo-laced cooking videos that are watched by millions, found herself living in Richmond this year, Sarah Huffman reports.
Her boyfriend Ryan Shellow signed with the Richmond Kickers soccer team. Vidal, a Tucson, Ariz. native, thought she was headed to a small town, but quickly realized she was wrong.
Richmond “makes it easy to feel at home,” she said. “The locals I have met are immensely friendly and are proud to be Richmonders. Their attitude is contagious.” Read more here
In other news...
- Michelin-star trained chef opening Baltiks Bagel in South Richmond (Axios)
- Henrico invests extra $1.5 million in current budget for street lighting (NBC 12)
- Savannah Bananas baseball team coming to Richmond next year (8 News)
The editor's desk
A trip back to my home state of Kansas this weekend provided the opportunity to gorge on barbecue, but also to realize how far Richmond has come during the 17 years I've lived here. ZZQ's arrival transformed the scene, and for my money remains the gold standard, but great cue is becoming easier to find in the River City - Redemption BBQ's recent national honors speak to the growth of the city's barbecue scene.
This week brings another round of mayoral and city council forums, and we'll be wrapping up work on our Voter Guide, a chance for you to hear from candidates in every race ahead of extremely important local elections in Richmond. We look forward to sharing it with you.
