Tag Archives: Public Transportation

Transit Equity Day & Winter Storm Fern Response

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BRITE Bus celebrated Transit Equity Day on February 4 with fare-free rides on all BRITE routes. Transit Equity Day pays homage to Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks and her courageous acts in fighting for the right to equitable transportation. This day of action serves as a reminder of the importance of removing barriers to accessible transportation. 

Prior to honoring Ms. Parks’ legacy, Winter Storm Fern impacted operations. BRITE Bus prepared for the storm by ending service early on January 24, and provided fare-free rides for the day so residents could access transportation without barriers to prepare for the storm. Once services resumed, BRITE staff reiterated to riders how to safely access BRITE services with the plethora of snow/ice around typical bus stops and pedestrian infrastructure. We thank the Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro and Augusta County staff who assisted in making the bus stop areas accessible to riders. 

BRITE Transit and Commuter Assistance Operating Budgets Set for FY27

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DRPT Logo

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.

Transit Staff Host Pop-Up Events to Engage Afton Express Riders

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Person sitting at a table at a bus stop

CSPDC transit staff hosted two early morning pop-up events in late September at Afton Express stops to celebrate the commuter bus service’s fourth anniversary while engaging directly with riders and sharing information about service improvements and commuter resources.

The events took place at the Staunton Crossing Park and Ride on September 23 and the Waynesboro Park and Ride on September 29. Staff greeted riders with cookies, Afton Express swag, and provided an opportunity to discuss the commuter bus service and gather feedback on schedule revisions—all before 7:00 AM!

Staff also highlighted benefits of the Rideshare Commuter Assistance Program in recognition of September’s Try Transit Month, including the Ride Home Rewards program that provides emergency rides home for regular commuters, and the opportunity to earn rewards through the ConnectingVA platform.

The pop-up events were part of a broader outreach campaign to raise awareness about transit as a commuting option. During this initiative, the number of transit riders logging trips in the ConnectingVA platform increased by 27% from August to September.

These direct engagement efforts reflect CSPDC’s commitment to enhancing regional transportation options and connecting the communities of the region.

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