Thousands of Virginians pledged to try transit
RICHMOND, Va., October 20, 2009 For the second straight year, more than 1,000 Virginians pledged to stop driving alone and try a form of transit during Try Transit Week. The event, which took place from September 21-25, 2009, helped raise awareness about available transit options and about the benefits of using transit, such as saving time and money.
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) conducts the annual statewide event to encourage Virginians to try all forms of transit including bus, rail, carpools, vanpools and telework.
“Transit can help an average family save more than $9,000 annually,” said Virginia Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer. “By riding transit, you’re reducing the number of cars on the road and the costs associated with vehicle use. Over time, small changes in your travel habits can add up to big benefits.”
During Try Transit Week, Virginians were encouraged to visit www.trytransitweek.com to learn more about the transit options available and to pledge to try a form of transit other than driving alone. Each pledge to try transit was automatically entered into the contest to win a one year free transit pass. In addition, the total number of pledges was tabulated for each locality to determine the highest local participation rate for Virginia.
Ms. Debbie Haught, of Ashburn, Va., was randomly selected to win the one year free transit pass, and Prince William County won the local participation award for the highest ridership. Prince William County received their award at the Commonwealth Transportation Board meeting on October 14, 2009.
“Prince William County truly appreciates our community’s long standing efforts to incorporate all forms of transit including Virginia Railway Express, bus, carpooling, slugging and teleworking, and the recognition by DRPT,” said Tom Blaser, Director of Transportation for Prince William County.
Encouraging the use of transit is important to help reduce highway congestion, harmful emissions in the environment and the high cost of commuting. The Commonwealth offers a wide variety of transit options, including 59 transit operators, 55 human service transportation providers, 18 commuter service agencies and two passenger rail operators. There are also numerous resources available to help people eliminate their commutes altogether and help employers save money through telework. Visit www.teleworkva.org for more information on Virginia’s telework incentive program.
DRPT continues to develop new initiatives to provide more transportation choices in Virginia. Most recently, the Commonwealth introduced new Amtrak service in the I-81/Route 29 corridors from Lynchburg to the Northeast Corridor, with a one-seat ride as far north as Boston. In addition, starting this winter Virginians will have hourly morning Amtrak service from Richmond to the Northeast Corridor with the introduction of a new train in the I-95 corridor. For more information on available Amtrak service in Virginia and special ticket offers, visit www.AmtrakVirginia.com.
For more information on Try Transit Week, visit www.trytransitweek.com. For more information transit operators in Virginia, visit www.drpt.virginia.gov.