Virginia Breeze DRPT I-64 Transit Operators and Regional Planning Agency Survey |
This study is focused on determining if there are unmet intercity bus needs in the areas of Virginia between Virginia Beach and Harrisonburg/Staunton. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has implemented rural intercity bus service under the Virginia Breeze brand (see https://virginiabreeze.org/ for more information), and is interested in knowing if there are additional needs for additional connections to offer east-west bus service across the Commonwealth.
By intercity bus service we mean:
· Regularly scheduled bus service for the general public that operates with limited stops over fixed routes connecting two or more urban areas not in close proximity
· Has the capacity for transporting baggage carried by passengers
· Makes meaningful connections with scheduled intercity bus service to more distant points, if such service is available (think Greyhound- or Megabus-type service)
Current Virginia Breeze services are operated on four routes (see map):
· Valley Flyer: Blacksburg to Washington, D.C. via I-81 and I-66
· Highlands Rhythm: Bristol to Washington, D.C. via I-81 and I-66
· Piedmont Express: Danville to Washington, D.C. via U.S. 29
· Capitol Connector: Martinsville to Richmond and Washington, D.C.
There is additional intercity bus service provided by other firms, including Greyhound, Megabus and Flixbus—along with Amtrak rail passenger service and connecting bus services.
Please help us by answering the following questions: