DRPT Announces Virginia Breeze Route Expansions and Second Anniversary Sweepstakes

RICHMOND - Marking the second anniversary of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Virginia Breeze intercity bus service, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) announced a sweepstakes to award three free round-trip tickets on the Virginia Breeze ahead of the 2020 launch of two new routes serving southern Virginia communities.

Starting in spring 2020, the new routes will connect Danville to Washington, D.C., and Martinsville to Richmond. Buses on the approximately 250-mile route from Danville to Washington Union Station will travel along U.S. Route 29 and Interstate 66, including potential stops in Lynchburg, Charlottesville and at Dulles International Airport. In addition, buses along the approximately 190-mile route between Martinsville and Richmond will have potential bus stops in Danville, South Boston, Hampden Sydney and Farmville. Exact routing and stop locations are still in development.

 

“Our goal is to ensure that all Virginians, regardless of where they live, have access to safe, affordable and reliable transportation. Virginians have shown immense support for the Virginia Breeze, with ridership increasing year over year” said Jennifer Mitchell, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. “In addition to bringing these new route options to riders, we are excited to launch our anniversary contest to offer free round-trip tickets.”

Virginia Breeze ridership data shows the service carried 6,511 passengers in the third quarter of 2019 — a 28% increase over the second quarter of 2018.

The contest, which runs Dec. 16-31, will award one round-trip ticket on the Virginia Breeze to each of the three winners. To enter, contestants should visit either the Virginia Breeze website or the Virginia Breeze Facebook page.

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Funded entirely through the federal Rural Transit Assistance 5311 Program and ticket revenues, the Virginia Breeze is an intercity bus service operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia connecting Blacksburg, Virginia, with Union Station in Washington, D.C. The existing route includes several stops in the New River Valley, Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia. First launched in December 2017, the Virginia Breeze served 20,686 riders in 2018.

Virginia Breeze buses include roomy seating, a restroom, baggage storage, free Wi-Fi and in-seat power outlets. Fares range from $15 to $50. For more information, visit the Virginia Breeze website.