George W. Cheadle is named first General Manager
1966
Our Mission
Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The mission of the RMTA is to build and operate a variety of public system and offer public services, especially transportation related, within the Richmond metropolitan area, each of which is operated and financed primarily by user fees. Our efforts are dedicated to the following constituents:
we will provide safe, convenient, efficient System and excellent customer service while maintaining the lowest feasible costs.
we will promote a safe and pleasant work environment, provide an opportunity to advance according to their abilities and fairly compensate based on performance.
we will operate in a financially sound and prudent manner and meet all debt payments and other legally imposed requirements to insure the protection of their interests. Our mission can be best accomplished through the sound management of existing projects and consideration of additional projects as approved by the City of Richmond and the Counties of Chesterfield and Henrico.
These projects are financed primarily through user fee schedules which offer the lowest possible costs to the public, fairly compensate employees, and offer financial safety to bondholders.
Company Overview
In accordance with legislation by the Virginia General Assembly, the Authority is managed by a sixteen member Board. In addition to the Board, the organization is made up of key executive staff to manage: Engineering, Finance, Human Financial Documents and Auditing. Executive staff has oversight of the 80 staff members of the Authority.
Our History
Timeline
RMTA is created by Virginia General Assembly
1966
RMTA purchases the Boulevard Bridge
1969
Powhite Parkway opens to Cary Street
1973
Parham Express Bus Service. The pilot program was introduced in cooperation with the City of Richmond, the County of Henrico, and the Virginia Department of Highways
1973
Second Street Parking Deck opens
1975
Downtown Expressway opens to Seventh Street
1976
Connecting ramps to and final portions of I-95 completed
1977
The Diamond opens
1985
Robert M. Berry is named CEO
1986
Powhite Parkway Bridge widened from six to ten lanes: sections of Powhite parkway widened by one lane
1987
Carytown Parking Decks open
1991
Downtown Expressway Parking Deck opens
1992
Boulevard Bridge closes for major renovations
1992
Financial restructuring allows RMTA to stand alone without City financial support
1992
RMTA begins operation of Main Street Station
2003
Tropical Storm Gaston floods Powhite Parkway, Main Street Station
2004
Powhite Parkway express lanes open
2008
RMTA completes $62 million debt payment to the City
2011
Downtown Expressway express lanes open
2013
Angela L. Gray is named CEO
2013
Transfer of parking decks and Diamond to the City
2014
Name changed to Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority by the Virginia General Assembly
2014
First ever reversible dedicated E-ZPass lane installed at Boulevard Bridge
2016
I-95 deck rehabilitation
2016
Virginia General Assembly passes legislation allowing RMTA to construct, own, and operate coliseums and arenas
2016
RMTA celebrates 50th Anniversary
2016
Joi T. Dean is named CEO
2017
Transferred management of Main Street Station to the City of Richmond
2019
Operational changes including reduced full service hours due to COVID-19 pandemic
2020