Category Archives: News

BRITE Transit Facility Officially Dedicated

Posted on by

STAUNTON (July 27, 2017) —State, regional, and local leaders and several BRITE transit riders gathered to officially open the BRITE Transit Facility and welcome new buses to the fleet this morning. Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) Executive Director Bonnie Riedesel and Board Chair Frank Friedman kicked off the event, then introduced remarks from key officials including Jennifer DeBruhl, Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation Chief of Public Transportation; Bruce Simms, Virginia Regional Transit CEO; and Wayne Martin, BRITE Transit Advisory Committee Chair.

Nancy Gourley, CSPDC Transit Manager, offered up rider perspectives to the proceedings, introducing BRITE transit riders Rebecca Messer and Paul Terry, as well as Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center teacher Stephen Sweeney, who all shared how important reliable transit is to many Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro residents by providing access to training, services, health care, and employment.

The event was a celebration of reaching several milestones since the CSPDC took over the administration of the BRITE Bus Transit System several years ago. BRITE Bus provides fixed-route and on-demand transportation in the Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro (SAW) area. Services are administered by the CSPDC, with operational recommendations provided by the BRITE Transit Advisory Committee (BTAC).

20292932_1815267082119762_4896665257625075932_n

In addition to taking ownership of the transit operations facility in Fishersville and placing a new fleet of nine silver buses and one new trolley into service, a contract was awarded for transit service provisions to Virginia Regional Transit. BRITE has also initiated a new social media presence in addition to the information available at  www.BRITEbus.org. Transit users can visit @BRITEbus on Facebook and Twitter for updates on routes and real-time service announcements, or for general information or customer service inquiries.

These changes are the culmination of a multi-year effort to study, plan, and execute transit improvements in the SAW area. The process began with the development and adoption of the Transit Development Plan (TDP) in 2015. 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 was 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.

20374322_1815267085453095_1963182734186737445_n

A primary focus of the projects included in the TDP has been the development of a combined urban-rural system that ties together services operating in the region. To lay the foundation for future growth, the program has accomplished several projects leading up to the facility transfer and new fleet. Between 2015 and 2017, a unified brand called BRITE was launched; the BTAC was formed; transit funding was consolidated under the CSPDC; route improvements were implemented; and transit system bus stops, shelters, and signage have been upgraded. Following a competitive bidding process, the CSPDC published notice in March 2017 to enter into contract with Virginia Regional Transit as the transit provider for the BRITE system. The resulting contract for an initial five-year period began July 1, 2017.

Request for Proposal for Web Design Services for BRITE Bus Transit

Posted on by

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) is soliciting comprehensive and innovative proposals and competitive pricing from interested parties to provide the creation of a dynamic, user-friendly website for BRITE Bus Transit Service.

brite-logo-v

 

The RFP document can be accessed here.

BRITE Acquires Transit Facility, Welcomes Provider and New Buses

Posted on by

STAUNTON (July 5, 2017) —The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) announced today the completion of several key milestones since assuming the administration of the BRITE Bus Transit System several years ago. BRITE Bus provides fixed-route and on-demand transportation in the Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro (SAW) area. Services are administered by the CSPDC, with operational recommendations provided by the BRITE Transit Advisory Committee (BTAC).

The most recent accomplishments include accepting ownership of the transit operations facility in Fishersville, which is now named the BRITE Transit Facility; awarding a contract for transit service provision to Virginia Regional Transit, which includes placing a new fleet of nine silver buses and one trolley into service. BRITE has also initiated a social media presence in addition to the information available at www.BRITEbus.org. Transit users can visit @BRITEbus on Facebook and Twitter for updates on routes and real-time service announcements, or for general information or customer service inquiries.

These changes are the culmination of a multi-year effort to study, plan, and execute transit improvements in the SAW area. The process began with the development and adoption of the Transit Development Plan (TDP) in 2015. 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 was 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 has been the development of a combined urban-rural system that ties together services operating in the region. To lay the foundation for future growth, the program has accomplished several projects leading up to the facility transfer and new fleet. Between 2015 and 2017, a unified brand called BRITE was launched; the BTAC was formed; transit funding was consolidated under the CSPDC; route improvements were implemented; and transit system bus stops, shelters, and signage have been upgraded. Following a competitive procurement process, the CSPDC published notice in March 2017 to enter into contract with Virginia Regional Transit as the transit provider for the BRITE system. The resulting contract for an initial five-year period began July 1, 2017.
A ribbon cutting will be held at the new facility in late July. For more information contact Nancy Gourley, nancy@cspdc.org (540)885-5174.

Public Meeting Set for WWRC Small Area Study 

Posted on by

The Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization  will be hosting a public open house/information meeting for the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) Small Area Study on Thursday, June 22.  The event is from 5-7 PM at Wilson Middle School Cafeteria, 232 Hornet Road in Fishersville. The transportation study will examine access management and safety issues along US 250 (Jefferson Highway) in the vicinity of the WWRC Complex. Study recommendations will be used to guide future transportation improvements in the area. The public is invited to attend the open house and provide input.

Regional Housing Summit Held

Posted on by
The CSPDC and the Bath County Economic Development Authority hosted a Regional Housing Summit on May 25, in Bath County. More than 35 attendees learned strategies to address the demand for affordable workforce housing in their community.

Summit speakers from the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech, USDA Rural Development, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Housing Development Authority, Total Action for Progress, and CSPDC focused on the connection between housing and economic development, as well as funding opportunities to increase affordable housing options.  Topics included homeownership, rental housing, housing rehabilitation, and new construction. The workshop was geared toward local government staff, including community development, economic development and workforce development, local elected officials, housing organizations and nonprofits, and other community leaders.

Individuals who were unable to attend the Summit can access the presentations and related videos HERE .

Bike Virginia Tours the Valley

Posted on by
The Shenandoah Valley has been selected to host the 30th Anniversary Tour of Bike Virginia, June 23-28.  Riders will choose from a variety of tour lengths and routes that will take them on a scenic adventure along the Valley from Buena Vista to Staunton.
The Tour will include a full complement of fun outings and activities that will showcase the region’s cultural attractions, historic sites, outdoor recreation opportunities, and local flavors, enticing over 1,500 participating cyclists to come back and ride the Valley again and again.

Transportation Demand Management Plan Updated

Posted on by
The CSPDC’s Rideshare Program is wrapping up the update of its Transportation Demand Management Plan (TDMP).  Required by the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the TDMP includes stakeholder and public input, a financial plan, and a strategy for changes and expansion of services.
The broad goals of the updated TDMP include increasing the awareness of the alternate modes of transportation that exist besides single-occupant vehicles, improving mobility and accessibility to people with transportation needs in the rural areas of the region, and promoting social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership Launched

Posted on by
The Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership (SVTP) unveiled its new marketing partnership and brand message during an event held at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in May.  The SVTP is a professional collaboration between 13 tourism-forward communities stretching from Winchester to Lexington, whose mission is to promote the Shenandoah Valley as an outstanding year-round destination for visitors from around the world.
The SVTP team worked together with consultants over the span of several years conducting research consisting of online surveys, reviews of Virginia Tourism Corporation research, and recent visitor surveys conducted by local destination marketing organizations. The team compared regional initiatives around the United States for differentiation to create the Today’s Shenandoah Valley brand, campaign, website, and social media presence. The results can be viewed at  www.VirginiasShenandoahValley.com and on Facebook .

Regional Housing Summit Held

Posted on by

Home pictureThe CSPDC and the Bath County Economic Development Authority hosted a free Regional Housing Summit on May 25, 2017 in Hot Springs. Attendees learned strategies to address the demand for affordable workforce housing in their community. Summit speakers focused on the connection between housing and economic development, as well as funding opportunities to increase affordable housing options through homeownership, rental housing, housing rehabilitation, and new construction. Local government staff, including community development, economic development and workforce development; local elected officials; housing organizations and nonprofits; and other community leaders were in attendance.