Founded in 1860, the public transit system known today as GRTC Transit System, has operated continuously, with one temporary suspension of service during the Civil War, for over 150 years. Its history of being a progressive transit system was established when it was the first public transit agency to implement the system wide use of electric streetcars. That progressive attitude carries forth to today, with service improvements and additions such as expanded services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, welfare-to-work transportation, vanpool and carpool development, regional taxicab oversight, and expanded service to surrounding counties and cities, GRTC Transit System has truly become a world class transportation system serving every sector of the Richmond region. It is one of the most efficient transit systems in the United States.

Jointly owned by the City of Richmond and Chesterfield County, the transit agency was purchased from private owners and incorporated as GRTC Transit System, on April 12, 1973, for the purpose of providing public transportation service in the Greater Richmond area.