“That’s all they have,” she said. “Now, they’ll have better choices. Our community is like an island, and we’ve been forgotten for so long.”

The bus line goes toward another Food Lion, a Target, Kohl’s, Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy, which Ramirez said boosts food options, access to medication and even doctor’s appointments. But with it ending at JTCC, she also sees it as a vehicle for education. Aus’ daughter is looking to go there next year.

Carrie Rose Pace, the director of communications at GRTC, rode the 11:50 a.m. route to greet passengers and pass out homemade cookies from That Much Sweeter bakery with “GRTC ROUTE 111” written on top.

Passengers she came across said they would be using the route primarily to and from work, shopping and doctor’s appointments.

A frequent passenger who rides the Richmond bus to Willow Lawn and then Huguenot said it’s a much-needed route but needs more stops in the future, adding some aren’t placed where residents go.