The City of Richmond will begin rolling out an advanced traffic signal system this fall aimed at improving public transit service and emergency response times.

The Department of Public Works announced plans to launch a Centralized Transit Signal Priority (TSP) and Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) project using Econolite Centracs Priority software. The system will allow GRTC buses and emergency vehicles to communicate directly with traffic signals, extending green lights or changing reds to greens in real time.

The effort builds on more than a decade of upgrades that linked all 490 signalized intersections in the city to a centralized transportation management system. The new software will enhance that network by connecting it to the GRTC Operations Center and the city’s Emergency 911 Call Center.

Up to 150 intersections will initially be outfitted with the technology, which city officials say will make Richmond one of the most advanced cities in the country for integrated traffic signal management.

The goals of the project include improving reliability for the city’s fare-free bus network, speeding up fire department response times and reducing delays for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

“Reliable transit is the backbone of an equitable city,” said Sheryl Adams, CEO of GRTC. “The Centracs Priority system ensures our buses keep to their schedules, connecting Richmonders to jobs, healthcare and opportunities without delay.”

Richmond’s bus ridership has increased 17% since 2018.

In June, ConsumerAffairs ranked the city fourth in the nation for public transportation.

The Department of Public Works plans to roll out the project in phases. System design and integration is scheduled to begin in fall 2025, with full deployment and testing set for spring 2027.

“Giving priority to transit and emergency vehicles improves access to services and reinforces our public safety mission, while also advancing our sustainability goals,” said Dironna Moore Clarke, deputy director of Public Works and administrator of the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility.

City Transportation Engineer Michael B. Sawyer called the project a “game-changer” for Richmond.

“By integrating cutting-edge technology, we’re not just improving transportation safety—we’re building a safer, more equitable city,” he said.

For the Richmond Fire Department, the system is expected to help reduce response times.

“Every second counts when lives are on the line,” said Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal. “This technology clears the way for our crews, ensuring we can reach emergencies faster and save more lives.”