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Public Transit

Sustainable Transit

RVARC, we are dedicated to developing and maintaining an efficient, effective, and environmentally sustainable public transit system across the Roanoke Valley and Alleghany regions. Our goal is to connect communities, enhance mobility for all citizens, and foster sustainable growth and development.

Our Vision and Efforts

  • Roanoke Valley Transit Vision Plan: Our 25-year vision, approved in 2016, aims at shaping the future of transit in the Roanoke Valley. This plan is a testament to our commitment to long-term, sustainable transit solutions, shaped by valuable input from our citizens.
  • Bus Stop Accessibility Study: Recognized for our innovative approach, this study addresses the critical link between pedestrian access and transit. Our efforts led to more accessible bus stops and improved system efficiency, particularly along high-activity, low-income corridors.

Roanoke Valley Transit Vision Plan

On September 22, 2016, the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization approved a 25-year vision for developing transit in the Roanoke Valley. Thank you to the many citizens who provided input!

Bus Stop Accessibility Study

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today jointly announced the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) as one of this year’s eight Transportation Planning Excellence Award (TPEA) recipients.

“Building a world-class transportation system doesn’t happen overnight, and never by accident,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “These important awards recognize the critical role planning plays in meeting America’s future transportation challenges.”

The RVARC’s “Bus Stop Accessibility Study” was recognized as a national example of addressing the link between pedestrian and transit, and developing new ways to determine, evaluate and compare bus stop activity. It used survey data to identify the most active bus stops and those with the greatest number of mobility impaired riders. The study’s results led to more accessible bus stops with better overall system efficiency.

“Given the limited funds available for infrastructure improvements, data-driven tools like this one help to prioritize local transportation investments,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “Thanks to pioneering work like theirs, the transportation community is now able to specifically pinpoint the areas needing improvements, and why they are needed.”

Selected by an independent panel, the awards are a biennial recognition by the FHWA and FTA of outstanding transportation planning practices performed by planners and decision makers in communities across the country.

This year, eight winners were selected of 35 TPEA submissions from around the nation. Criteria for selection included: community, public involvement and partnerships; context sensitive solutions; innovation and effectiveness; equity; implementation and strategy; multi-modalism; and potential for long-term benefits.

“It’s important to recognize the creative efforts of the nation’s transportation planners,” said Acting Federal Transit Administrator Therese W. McMillan. “The future of our infrastructure system begins with their vision. RVARC’s innovative evaluation process led to a major bus route adjustment and pedestrian enhancements to bus stops along a high-activity, low-income corridor.”

Sustainable Transit

Public transportation services in the Roanoke Valley are provided by the Greater Roanoke Transit Company (Valley Metro) and Unified Human Services Transportation Systems, Inc. (RADAR).  Regional Commission staff provide transit planning assistance including the following services:

  • Developing long-range regional transit plans, short-range transit development plans, and transportation improvement programs
  • Coordinating the use of federal transit funds in the Roanoke Valley urbanized area
  • Mapping
  • Multimodal facilities planning
  • Transit system planning and corridor- and stop-level analyses
  • Transit supportive pedestrian and bicycle planning

Specific transit planning activities are outlined each year in the Unified Planning Work Program.