DRPT Set to Launch Virginia Breeze, Commonwealth's First Intercity Bus Pilot Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2017

DRPT: Chris Smith
E-mail: chris.smith@drpt.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 624-0109

DRPT Set to Launch Virginia Breeze

~ Commonwealth's First Intercity Bus Pilot Program Brings New Transportation Options to the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia ~

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is pleased to announce the December 1, 2017 launch of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s new intercity bus program. The Virginia Breeze, the program’s pilot route, will connect travelers from Blacksburg to Washington, D.C. with multiple destinations in-between.

“The Virginia Breeze improves mobility choices for underserved communities by offering an alternative to driving along the congested Interstate 81 and 66 corridors, which need travel options,” said DRPT Director Jennifer Mitchell. “Intercity bus travel gets people out of cars and where they want to go affordably, comfortably and reliably.”

The program is funded through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) 5311 Intercity Bus Program. Utilizing 100% federal funding for operating the intercity bus service, the Virginia Breeze provides a critical transportation connection between rural Virginia communities and the national bus network. Performance of this pilot route may also lead to expanded services along this route, as well as the addition of other travel corridors in the Commonwealth.

The Virginia Breeze will make daily morning departures from the Virginia Tech Squires Student Center, located at 290 College Avenue in Blacksburg, at 8:00 a.m., and arrive at the Union Station - Washington, D.C. bus deck at 2:30 p.m. A second, southbound bus will depart Union Station at 9:20 a.m. daily, making the reverse trip arriving at the Squires Student Center by 3:40 p.m.

Additional stops along the Virginia Breeze route include:

• Christiansburg (Falling Branch Park & Ride)
• Lexington (Food Lion in Stonewall Square)
• Staunton (Martin’s on Richmond Avenue)
• Harrisonburg (Godwin Transit Center at JMU)
• Front Royal (Crooked Run VDOT Park & Ride)
• Dulles Airport (Curb 2E)
• Arlington (Kiss & Ride lot at the West Falls Church-VT/UVA Metrorail Station)

Featuring a modern 56-passenger coach with free Wi-Fi, in-seat power outlets and other amenities, the Virginia Breeze will be operated in partnership with Dillon’s, a Coach USA company. Coach USA also owns Megabus. Virginia Breeze customers can purchase an interline ticket for Megabus destinations beyond Union Station, such as Philadelphia or New York.

Virginia Breeze marks the first time a state has partnered with Megabus to provide interline ticketing options in the US. Ticket prices will vary based on the selected trip. A one-way ticket between Blacksburg and Union Station will cost roughly $50. Tickets must be purchased online. The website, scheduling, route, and ticket information will be forthcoming soon.

Get a sneak peek at the Virginia Breeze during a pre-service visit to each stop on November 29th and 30th. The tour will allow the public and local media to hear from bus operators and board the vehicle. Details will be announced soon.  For more information on press availability for tours, please contact Chris Smith at chris.smith@drpt.virginia.gov

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About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
DRPT’s mission is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in the Commonwealth through rail, public transportation, and commuter services. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For additional information on DRPT’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures or to file a complaint, please contact the Title VI Compliance Officer, Mike Mucha at (804) 786‐6794, TDD 711, or 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.