The Afton Express is celebrating its fourth anniversary this September, marking a major milestone for a service that has become a key asset for commuters traveling along the I-64 corridor. Since its launch in 2021, Afton Express has seen steady growth, with ridership increasing by 56% from its inception to the end of 2024, with a projected increase of 84% from inception to December 2025.

In addition to the anniversary, a new proposed schedule for the Afton Express is now available for public comment. We are revising the schedule using rider and stakeholder feedback as well as ridership data to better align with passenger needs. The public can provide feedback on the proposed schedule by visiting the Afton Express page on CSPDC Connects.

To celebrate the anniversary and discuss the future of the service, CSPDC staff are hosting pop-up events at the Staunton and Waynesboro Park and Ride lots and the UVA Bavaro Hall stop in Charlottesville. These events will provide an opportunity for staff to thank riders, share Rideshare resources, and engage with the Afton Express community.

Following the public comment period, we will make necessary revisions and implement the new schedule on Monday, November 3.

The CSPDC has been awarded funding through Virginia’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) to help reduce local match requirements for the Afton Express bus service. The grant, awarded under TRIP’s regional connectivity category, will significantly lower the financial burden on local funding partners over the next five years.

TRIP is administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transit (DRPT) and provides funding to transit agencies and governing bodies to create more accessible, safe, and regionally significant transit networks. The program supports four project categories: zero and reduced fare programs, regional connectivity, public safety, and passenger amenities and facilities.

The regional connectivity component specifically targets improved regional transportation and congestion mitigation in urban areas with populations exceeding 100,000. The Afton Express service, which connects Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County to Charlottesville and Albemarle County, aligns perfectly with these goals by providing essential transit connections for residents and workers.

The TRIP funding follows a step-down structure designed to encourage local sustainability. In fiscal year 2025, DRPT covered 80% of eligible costs, with the state portion decreasing to 60% in fiscal year 2026. This graduated approach allows local partners time to plan for long-term funding while immediately reducing the financial strain on participating jurisdictions. The funding will help ensure the continued operation of this vital transportation link while communities work toward sustainable long-term financing solutions.

Growing Ridership

As ridership on the Afton Express has grown significantly since its 2021 launch, the CSPDC is working with consultants to revise the bus schedule to better serve the expanding ridership base. The schedule optimization aims to make full use of all three vehicles while better aligning trip times with the start and end times of shifts at major employers along the route. With trips around the most popular times now approaching capacity, the team is exploring ways to increase frequency and reduce time gaps between trips to accommodate continued growth.

The comprehensive schedule review focuses on ensuring that as ridership increases, everyone who wants to ride the Afton Express will have a seat. A draft of the new schedule will be released to the public for comment later this summer, with hopes of implementing the revised schedule this fall. This proactive approach to service planning demonstrates the CSPDC’s commitment to meeting the evolving transportation needs of the region’s workforce and residents.