Tag Archives: BRITE Transit

CSPDC Selects New Contractor for BRITE Transit Operations

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) is pleased to announce the selection of Resource Management Systems, Inc. (RMS) as the new contractor for turnkey operations and maintenance of the BRITE Transit system. RMS will assume operations beginning July 1, 2026, under a five-year base contract with options to extend for up to nine years total.

RMS is a Georgia-based transit service provider with over 30 years of experience delivering public transportation, paratransit, and non-emergency medical transportation services to communities across the country. They are no strangers to regions like ours — RMS currently provides transit services to numerous rural counties and planning commissions across Georgia, giving them a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with serving rural communities. The CSPDC is confident that RMS’s experience and commitment to accessible, reliable transportation make them an excellent fit for BRITE and the communities we serve.

As recipients of federal and state funding, the CSPDC is required to conduct a fully open and competitive procurement at the end of each contract term. That process was completed this year, resulting in the award to RMS.

This transition also marks the close of a long and valued chapter with our outgoing contractor, Virginia Regional Transit (VRT). VRT has operated the BRITE system since before the CSPDC assumed oversight of the program, and their dedication to this region has been immeasurable. The hard work, institutional knowledge, and care that VRT’s team has brought to BRITE over the years has shaped the system into what it is today, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership and service.

As the June 30, 2026 contract end date approaches, the CSPDC will work closely with both VRT and RMS to ensure a seamless transition. Our top priority is continuity of service — riders should experience no disruption on July 1st. In fact, the most noticeable change may simply be some fresh, new vehicles on the road.

CSPDC Holds Inaugural State of Transit Event

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) hosted a “State of Transit” event to celebrate public transportation and highlight the accomplishments of the BRITE Bus system over the past year. The event brought together regional partners, stakeholders, and community members for an afternoon focused on reflecting on progress, discussing what lies ahead for transit in the region, and premiering BRITE’s “Value of Transit” video.

Attendees heard from voices in the transit community as CSPDC staff outlined recent service improvements, expanded partnerships, and efforts to improve accessibility across the BRITE network. The program emphasized how public transit continues to support access to jobs, services, and daily destinations throughout the region, while also sharing updates on the BRITE system and exploring what lies ahead.

The event concluded with the premiere of BRITE’s new “Value of Transit” video, which showcased the essential role public transportation plays in supporting regional mobility and quality of life. The video highlighted the many ways BRITE connects communities and reinforces the importance of continued investment in transit as a vital regional resource. You can view the video below.

BRITE Transit and Commuter Assistance Operating Budgets Set for FY27

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission is pursuing nearly $2.8 million in state funding to support and enhance regional transit services and transportation options.

Nine grant applications will be submitted to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation by the February 1 deadline. The requested funding would support critical transit operations, capital improvements including ADA improvements for an existing bus stop and facility equipment, route transit planning and marketing projects, and the CSPDC region’s commuter assistance program – Rideshare.

These grants represent essential funding for maintaining and improving public transportation throughout the CSPDC region. The investments would benefit both urban and rural transit services, ensuring residents across the region have access to reliable transportation options.

DRPT will review applications and release funding recommendations with the draft Six-Year Improvement Program in spring 2026.

BRITE Bus Demonstrates the Value of Transit

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BRITE Transit has debuted a promotional campaign highlighting the vital role that public transit plays in strengthening communities across the Central Shenandoah region. Through a variety of outreach efforts including social media and videography content, this initiative spotlights the ways public transit contributes to economic growth, social connection, and community resilience in our region.

The campaign began with a series of educational posts across its social media platforms with a clear message: investing in transit is investing in the health, strength, and future of our region.

This campaign is a celebration of the value of public transportation and reinforces the message that transit is an essential service. We hope you all will stay tuned as we share stories and BRITE Faces interviews with our riders, drivers, and partners who help make BRITE and Afton Express the vital services that they are for our community.

To follow along and share in the campaign, find BRITE on social media @britebus

Lewis Street Transit Hub Recognized with National Civic Improvement Award

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) is proud to announce that the Lewis Street Transit Hub has been honored with a Civic Improvement Commendation from the Garden Club of America. The award recognizes “outstanding efforts which enhance, protect, or restore the local environment and improve the community.”

The Augusta Garden Club, a local chapter affiliated with the Garden Club of Virginia, nominated the project for this national honor. The club praised the thoughtful transformation of the site, particularly highlighting the use of native plants as an added value to the project.

In the nomination letter, the club’s Awards Chairman Marie Thomas shared, “This project has it all – improvement of an eyesore, proper use of governmental grants, and sensitivity to the needs of the neighborhood and travelers. This area was formerly an abandoned space that the Planning Commission has incorporated into a lovely green space to allow beauty and peace for citizens who use public transportation.”

The CSPDC team, represented by Ann Cundy and Paula Melester, accepted the award on April 9, 2025 during the Augusta Garden Club’s April meeting. In reflecting on the achievement, Ms. Melester emphasized that the award is a celebration of the entire project team — from funding partners, to the landscape architects and engineers at Kimley-Horn and Associates, the City of Staunton, and the contractors who brought the vision to life.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of everyone involved, the Lewis Street Transit Hub now proudly carries the title of an “Award-Winning” site, enhancing the community and providing a welcoming space for transit users.

Congratulations to all who contributed to this transformational project!

The Lewis Street Transit Hub Rehabilitation was funded through a Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facilities (5339) grant matched with state funding provided by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). You can read more about the project here.