GRTC bus crash injures 10 at downtown Richmond station
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Ninth Street was hectic Tuesday afternoon as buses piled up, backing up traffic as drivers awaited where to go. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
A GRTC bus crashed into a shelter and another bus at Richmond's Downtown Transfer Station on Tuesday morning.
Why it matters: The crash injured 10 passengers and bystanders at a busy transfer station, raising questions about how a bus veered off course at one of GRTC's main hubs.
The big picture: Police are investigating, but haven't said what caused the bus to leave its path or if the operator will face any charges or citations.
- The Downtown Transfer Station was temporarily shut down while crews cleared debris, with GRTC moving transfers to North Ninth Street between Marshall and Leigh streets.
The latest: By 3:30pm, the scene remained hectic as GRTC employees rerouted multiple buses and directed them across the street from the station, prompting some riders to walk into traffic to board.
- Inside the station, crews continued cleaning the area as a truck hauled the remains of the destroyed bus shelter.
- The station reopened at 4:30pm, per GRTC.
Meanwhile: Another driver rear-ended a GRTC CARE van at the roundabout near the Maury Street exit on Tuesday, says Nelissa Fernandez, general manager for GRTC contractor WeDriveU.
- WeDriveU operates GRTC's service for riders with disabilities.
- Four passengers were aboard the van and two were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Fernandez tells Axios.
Zoom out: The transfer station wreck comes as GRTC faces scrutiny over injury claims and lawsuits involving its buses.
- At least a dozen people have sued the transit agency since January 2025 over collisions and other incidents, collectively seeking more than $24 million, per the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
- The cases include allegations that bus drivers struck a pedestrian, veered off the road or injured passengers by stopping suddenly.
What we're watching: What comes of the investigation from Richmond police's Fourth Precinct officers.
This is breaking news. Check back for updates.