New microtransit program will expand mobility across six Richmond region localities; Virginia relying more heavily on provisional licenses to fill teacher shortages

Henrico Newsflash – April 5, 2023

Apr 05, 2023

New microtransit program will expand mobility across six Richmond region localities

The City of Richmond, the Town of Ashland, and the Counties of Henrico, Chesterfield, Powhatan, Hanover, and New Kent rarely have much in common, but later this year all six localities will enjoy expanded access to public transportation thanks to a planned microtransit pilot program run by the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC). Lasting three years, the test service will close mobility gaps in rural and suburban parts of the region via an on-demand system that will allow people to book rides in real time and get picked up and dropped off in designated areas.

EDUCATION COVERAGE

Virginia relying more heavily on provisional licenses to fill teacher shortages

As teacher shortages continue in Virginia, the state is attempting to stave off further educational impacts by granting more provisional licenses.

The commonwealth issued a total of 8,434 provisional licenses in 2021-22 compared to an average of 6,787 in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a November report from Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, which conducts analysis and provides oversight of state agencies on behalf of the General Assembly.