RICHMOND — The Virginia Breeze intercity bus service continued its strong growth in 2023, with all four of its routes setting all-time record ridership this fall. In November, a record-breaking 7,837 people rode on the Virginia Breeze, a 19 percent increase over November 2022.
The Virginia Breeze, which is managed by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and funded through the Federal Transit Administration’s Intercity Bus Program, is a vital intercity bus service connecting communities across the Commonwealth to larger cities and other major forms of transportation. It operates four routes with service every day of the year: the Valley Flyer (Blacksburg-Washington), the Piedmont Express (Danville-Washington), the Capital Connector (Martinsville-Richmond-Washington), and the Highlands Rhythm (Bristol-Washington).
“It is inspiring to see the soaring demand for the Virginia Breeze, which for six years has connected people across the Commonwealth and beyond,” said DRPT Director Jennifer DeBruhl. “The Breeze continues to set ridership records thanks to its customers who recognize its valuable role in providing transportation in rural and underserved areas.”
Noteworthy achievements in individual route ridership include:
Valley Flyer: The busiest Virginia Breeze route along Interstate 81 in western Virginia achieved an all-time high of 3,975 riders in November 2023, reflecting a 17 percent increase over November 2022.
Piedmont Express: The Piedmont Express recorded record-breaking ridership with 907 passengers in November 2023, marking a 10 percent increase over November 2022.
Capital Connector: The Capital Connector set a record with 891 riders in November 2023, a 27 percent rise over November 2022.
Highlands Rhythm: Another route along Interstate 81, the Highlands Rhythm achieved its highest ridership in October 2023 with 2,368 passengers, a 25 percent increase over October 2022.
Between January and November of this year, 53,138 people rode the Virginia Breeze. To accommodate the growing demand, DRPT adds more buses to the routes at no additional cost to riders. In November, DRPT added a record 48 additional buses.
For more information about the Virginia Breeze, including how to purchase tickets, visit virginiabreeze.org.
East-West Virginia Breeze Bus Route
DRPT is currently studying the creation of an east-west Virginia Breeze route that would connect the Staunton/Harrisonburg area and Virginia Beach area along the Interstate 64 corridor. The fifth route would fill a transportation gap between the two regions.
DRPT is accepting public comment on the study. People can fill out a survey or attend public meetings. Two meetings are happening:
DRPT's mission is to connect and improve the quality of life for all Virginians with innovative transportation solutions. The agency works with rail and public transportation stakeholders to provide service to people throughout Virginia and promotes transportation options to the general public, businesses, and community decision makers. DRPT's vision is a connected Commonwealth with an integrated multimodal network that serves every person, every business, and every need. For more information, please visit www.drpt.virginia.gov.
