This study is focused on determining if there are unmet intercity bus needs in the areas of Virginia between Virginia Beach and Harrisonburg/Staunton.  The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has implemented rural intercity bus service under the Virginia Breeze brand (see https://virginiabreeze.org/ for more information), and is interested in knowing if there are additional needs for additional connections to offer east-west bus service across the Commonwealth.     
 
By intercity bus service we mean:

·     Regularly scheduled bus service for the general public that operates with limited stops over fixed routes connecting two or more urban areas not in close proximity
·     Has the capacity for transporting baggage carried by passengers
·     Makes meaningful connections with scheduled intercity bus service to more distant points, if such service is available (think Greyhound- or Megabus-type service)
 
Current Virginia Breeze services are operated on four routes (see map):
 
·       Valley Flyer: Blacksburg to Washington, D.C.  via I-81 and I-66
·       Highlands Rhythm: Bristol to Washington, D.C. via I-81 and I-66
·       Piedmont Express: Danville to Washington, D.C. via U.S. 29
·       Capitol Connector: Martinsville to Richmond and Washington, D.C.
 
There is additional intercity bus service provided by other firms, including Greyhound, Megabus and Flixbus—along with Amtrak rail passenger service and connecting bus services.
 
Please help us by answering the following questions:

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* 1. DRPT is considering development of East-West Virginia Breeze Intercity bus service in the I-64 corridor - As you can see from the map, the study area extends from Virginia Beach to the I-81 corridor currently served by the Valley Flyer. Do you think there is a need for service in this corridor?

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* 2. Has a need for intercity connections ever been identified in any of your studies or plans, such as Transit Strategic Plans (TSPs), Transit Development Plans (TDPs), or other transportation plans?

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* 3. In this study area, which cities or towns do you think should be considered as stop locations? Please rank them in order of importance, with number 1 being the highest priority, 3 being the lowest priority and 0 being doesn't merit a stop. Please rank 3 answers for the highest priority, no more than 3 for medium priority, and as many as you'd like for lowest priority or no stop. 

  1 - Highest priority 2 - Medium priority  3 - Lowest priority 0 - Doesn't merit a stop
Virginia Beach
Norfolk
Hampton
Newport News
Williamsburg
Richmond
Charlottesville
Waynesboro
Staunton
Harrisonburg
Lexington
Roanoke
Other Locations (maybe cities, towns, park and ride lots, etc.)

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* 4. In your service area/region, are there particular stop locations that you think should be considered, based on a need to provide connectivity to local transit, the national intercity bus network, Amtrak, and park and ride opportunities? This could be a transit hub, a train station, a university, etc.

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* 5. Do any of these stop locations that you can identify offer shelter, heating/air -conditioning, seating, restrooms, security?

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* 6. In terms of schedule frequency, if we can only offer one round-trip per day, would it be better to operate westbound in the morning with an eastbound return later in the day or vice versa?

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* 7. Are two round-trips required to address the needs?

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* 8. Please leave your information if you would like more information regarding the study.

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