GRTC’s Tap Into Transit showcases local artists to raise funds to keep Richmond buses fare-free

Adrienne Torres, chief of staff at the Greater Richmond Transit Company, opened Tap Into Transit Day at Main Street Station, calling the event a downtown transfer hub and a chance to bring arts and transit together. "We are here at our annual Tap Into Transit Day event," Torres said, describing the day as both a showcase and a fundraising opportunity.

The event brings GRTC staff together with local artists and community members to highlight public transit and raise funds to support fare-free rides in Richmond. A GRTC representative said the city and the transit agency are "strong partners," and that part of the event’s purpose is "to raise money to make sure we can keep the GRTC fare free." That goal — selling or exhibiting art to generate revenue or donations — recurred across participant remarks.

Several artists described their contributions to the exhibit and the transit fleet. One artist said they were "excited" about a piece showing a young girl holding a heart-shaped balloon and that they hope artwork sales "will sell and benefit the program." Adrienne Torres also spoke about local public art at the event, saying she painted one of the GRTC Max vehicles and framed the celebration as both cultural and community-focused.

Participants emphasized access and equity as central themes. A local artist described the exhibit as "about equity" and said the event was intended to raise awareness and funds "to keep the buses free for everyone here in Richmond." Another attendee said reliable transportation that reaches beyond city limits into the county "is a real game changer for many," underlining the broader community impact organizers highlighted.

Organizers and artists said the outreach also aims to make transit visible on social media and public platforms. Justin, who identified himself as "with GRTC," encouraged combining art and transit to reach more people: "we're always looking for finding ways to bring art to the communities that we're a part of and making it more accessible." The event combined visual displays, on-bus artwork and in-person programming to raise awareness for GRTC’s fare-free efforts.

Event organizers did not announce a specific fundraising total or a formal fundraising mechanism during the remarks transcribed. The gathering functioned as a public outreach and fundraising-focused showcase; organizers and participating artists said they hoped proceeds or donations from art sales would support the fare-free program. The event continued with artists, community members and GRTC staff engaging visitors at Main Street Station.