The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission adopted the Transit Development Plan at its August 17 annual meeting.
The TDP is a short-range plan that outlines the transit improvements intended during a six-year planning horizon; estimates what resources will be needed; and identifies potential funding options. The development of the CSPDC’s TDP has been guided by a working group made up of representatives from Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County, along with public and private transit partners. Additionally, significant input to the TDP was sought through rider surveys and stakeholder interviews.
A primary focus of the projects included in the TDP is the development of a combined urban-rural system that ties together current services operating in the region. The program will lay the foundation for future growth as community awareness and ridership increases and additional transit partners are obtained. Modest service improvements are included within the plan, based on currently available funding resources. These include launch of a unified brand called BRITE, the formation of a Transit Advisory Committee (TAC), consolidated transit funding under the CSPDC, and improvements to the Route 250 Connector, the Silver Trolley route in Staunton and the Waynesboro Circulator route. Additionally, the plan recommends improvements for the transit system’s bus stops, shelters, and signage.
The formation of a Transit Advisory Committee (TAC) is a key aspect of the TDP. The TAC will be tasked with making recommendations to the CSPDC regarding operations of the transit system; supporting the delivery of public transportation to citizens and visitors in the transit service area; engaging in planning and community outreach activities; and reporting TAC activities to their respective locality or organization. Members appointed to the TAC represent the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, Augusta County, Augusta Health, Blue Ridge Community College, Wilson Workforce Rehabilitation Center, Shenandoah Valley Social Services, the Staunton Downtown Development Association, CATS, and others.
The adopted TDP will be forwarded to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation as the six-year plan for transit in this area, and will serve as the basis for the near-term funding requests.
Share
Contributors
