Transit and Commuter Assistance
Transit planning activities include route planning, analysis, and performance evaluations, identification of gaps in the connectivity and hours of transit service, evaluation of workforce mobility needs, provision of Park and Ride lots, and other transportation demand management (TDM) needs region-wide.
SAWMPO plays a role in the following:
Transit
BRITE Transit Program
Public transportation service in the SAWMPO area is administered by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) and provided through a contracted service provider, Virginia Regional Transit (VRT). Funding comes from federal and state grants, as well as local match provided by the City of Staunton, Augusta County, City of Waynesboro, Augusta Health, Blue Ridge Community College, Shenandoah Valley Social Services, Staunton Downtown Development Association, and Wilson Workforce & Rehabilitation Center. Learn more at britebus.org, or the Commonwealth’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) website at drpt.virginia.gov.
Afton Express
Afton Express is a BRITE route that provides public commuter bus transportation between Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Charlottesville and the Fifth Street Station in Albemarle County. Free Wi-fi, comfortable seating and affordable pricing make it a smart choice for individuals commuting over Afton Mountain. Learn more about Afton Express.
Routes & Schedules
There are multiple options for riding a BRITE Bus in the Staunton, Augusta, and Waynesboro area and beyond. The most up-to-date schedule and fare information, downloadable schedules, and an interactive map highlighting each route and stop is available on the BRITE website under the “Bus Routes” tab.
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) / Commuter Assistance Program (CAP)
The CSPDC’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program began in 2009 with the receipt of a Rideshare Transportation Demand Management grant for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). TDM programs (now called Commuter Assistance Programs (CAPs)) throughout Virginia promote ridesharing and other transportation alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles to assist individuals seeking transportation options to their workplaces and other destinations, mitigate congestion on Virginia’s roadways, and reduce environmental impacts caused by vehicle emissions, roadway expansion, and other transportation-related factors.
The CSPDC adopted the region’s first Long-Range TDM Plan in October 2017 and it was in effect until 2024. The plan provided an overview of the region’s TDM program, detailed existing services, identified program resources, and provided strategic initiatives that were developed in an effort to augment the CSPDC’s existing TDM program and implement new projects.
Per DRPT requirements, all Commuter Assistance Programs that receive state funding must maintain a Strategic Plan to identify mobility needs in their region and provide programming to meet those needs. The Strategic Plan replaces the previously required TDMP, and though similar, Strategic Plans put more emphasis on data driven strategies. Additionally, Strategic Plans have a 5-year horizon, with minor updates occurring on an annual basis and a complete rewrite required every 5 years. In Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, Rideshare staff worked with consultants and stakeholders to develop this plan, and in December 2024 a new Strategic Plan was completed.
This new Strategic Plan outlines the goals, objectives, and performance measures for the Rideshare Commuter Assistance Program from 2025 to 2030, and it sets the foundation for achieving those goals through a multifaceted approach. Goals outlined in the plan include reducing single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips, encouraging the utilization of trip planning tools, building and maintaining relationships with community stakeholders to promote regional collaboration around transportation solutions, and educating community members on transportation demand management as a solution to increased mobility and access.
To meet these goals, the plan presents targeted and flexible strategies that cater to the range of microregions and populations present in the Central Shenandoah region.
Rideshare
RideShare is a commuter resource program managed by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission in cooperation with the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission. The program works to reduce traffic congestion and increase mobility throughout Central Virginia and the Central Shenandoah Valley.
RideShare offers free carpool matching, vanpool coordination, and operates a Guaranteed Ride Home Program that provides free rides home in an emergency. RideShare also works with employers to develop and implement traffic reduction programs and to enhance employee commuter resources. RideShare also markets the region’ Park and Ride lots.
For more information regarding CSPDC’s RideShare program, please visit the RideShare website at rideshareinfo.org, or contact Danielle Gannon at 540-885-5174 x104 or danielle@cspdc.org.