The city and VCU would continue to contribute $15.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, under the tentative budget.

In an email to the Richmond Times-Dispatch last week, Herring said city officials told him that new funding would not be available to help subsidize GRTC operations outside the scope of the service enhancements Stoney requested to “equitably expand routes throughout the city.”

Herring said GRTC staff members are continuing to develop budget projections and will come up with a balanced proposal for the Board of Directors to consider for approval before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

“We do not have final numbers yet from the City of Richmond, and negotiations are still active with VCU for a possible agreement after the pilot concludes,” Herring said in an email Thursday.

Councilman Parker Agelasto also was critical of the lack of GRTC fare enforcement, but said VCU must pay its fair share and reconsider operating its own bus system.

VCU students and employees who ride GRTC buses for free, per the $1.2 million VCU is paying GRTC in this budget cycle, make up about 12 percent of monthly ridership, according to GRTC data.