With BART set to return to near pre-pandemic service levels starting Aug. 2, Richmond Mayor Tom Butt is welcoming back activity at the Richmond Transit Center with a grand re-opening party this week.
The community event is scheduled to take place Friday, July 16, from 4-6 p.m. at the Transit Center, located at the BART Station at the Downtown Richmond Visitor Center at 1600 Nevin Plaza. The event will include games, snacks, giveaways, free Johnson & Johnson vaccines and possible prizes for vaccinated individuals, the city says. Representatives of transit agencies, community organizations, and local small businesses will also attend to offer resources.
The Richmond Transit Center is where BART, AC Transit and Amtrak all meet, and where about 8,000 people traveled through daily prior to the pandemic. It’s also home to the Downtown Richmond Visitor Center, a relatively recent addition currently housing the Richmond Main Street Initiative and The Rich Clothing Company operate.
“Although the Richmond Transit Center never ceased operation during COVID-19, record –low ridership on BART, Amtrak, and AC Transit significantly slowed down a site that used to be the busiest place in Richmond (over 8,000 users per day),” Mayor Butt said. “As our state and region continue easing shelter-in-place restrictions, the grand re-opening celebration is intended to symbolize a return to our focus on making the Transit Center a catalyst of activity, community gathering, and economic vitality for the downtown area.”
For questions about the upcoming event, call or email the Mayor’s Office at (510) 620–6503, or [email protected].
