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Initial Findings and Opportunities
for Virginia Transit Equity and Modernization | January 2022
Introduction
DRPT, in conjunction with Virginia’s transit agencies and the public, is conducting a study focused on the equitable delivery of transit services and the modernization of transit in the Commonwealth. This study is required by the passage of HJ542 in the General Assembly in 2021. This webpage presents the initial findings for the current state of transit equity and modernization across the state. These findings also include several improvement opportunities—many of which will serve as the basis for future recommendations, actions and strategies.
Study Topic Areas
The study explores several technical transit topics. Work within each of these technical topic areas has led to the initial findings presented below and will help inform eventual recommendations and strategies that span all aspects of transit.
Transit Accessibility
The link between transit supply and need, with an emphasis on underserved populations and the ability of transit to connect people to jobs and opportunities
Transit Adequacy of Infrastructure
The conditions of existing transit infrastructure and what is needed to bring them to an acceptable minimum standard
Emerging Technologies
The feasibility of Virginia’s transit agencies adopting emerging transit technologies and the associated costs, benefits, and timelines for implementation
Transit Electrification
A review of the current state of electric, Zero-Emission Buses (ZEBs) operated in Virginia’s transit fleet today, and a review of opportunities and barriers to transitioning to ZEBs
Transit Safety
The safety of all transit passengers and employees on transit vehicles, in operations facilities, and traveling to and from transit stops and stations
System Engagement and Governance
A review of agency practices for engaging with the public, particularly with transportation-disadvantaged communities, and their role in transit agency governance
People and Communities
Who Lives in the Commonwealth?
Virginia has experienced continued growth, adding more than half a million new residents since 2010. In the next 20 years, Virginia expects to grow by 14% and become increasingly diverse.
Demographic Dot Density in Virginia
Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019)
How does household income vary in Virginia?
Considering median household income is important for understanding the associated transportation burdens and barriers to opportunity a community—or subset of a community—faces. Access to transportation is one of the highest indicators of job accessibility and economic mobility. Where there are higher population and employment density in the Commonwealth, there are higher median household incomes.
Household Income in Virginia
Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019)
Where are the vulnerable communities in Virginia?
To develop actionable solutions that create shared prosperity and better outcomes for Virginians, the study team analyzed the demographics in transit service areas across the Commonwealth through a vulnerable population index (VPI). This index uses seven population groups that were determined to be vulnerable based on federal requirements and regional guidance. Census blocks (small geographic areas) are ranged on a scale of 0 (less vulnerable) to 9 (more vulnerable) and vary across the Commonwealth.
The vulnerable population groups considered in the VPI include:
- Households at or below the poverty line
- Minority populations
- Hispanic populations
- Limited English proficiency (LEP) populations
- People with disabilities
- Persons over age 65
- Zero-car households
Vulnerable Populations in Virginia
Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019)
What transit service is active in Virginia today?
Transit service varies across the Commonwealth. The study categorizes transit into three different types: demand response, fixed route, and enhanced fixed route. Summarizing transit service coverage helps to identify and communicate the availability of transit service within Virginia. Availability of transit increases in areas with higher population and employment density.
Types of Transit Service in Virginia
Statewide Transit Service Supply
Zoom in to explore fixed route stops and enhanced fixed route stops.
Transit Today – Findings
Through data collection, stakeholder and focus group feedback, and an assessment of transit needs, several preliminary findings have been identified that account for the current state of transit equity and modernization in Virginia.
There are unique needs for and barriers to adopting new and emerging technology among Virginia's transit agencies.
Emerging technologies in transit can provide solutions for a variety of different challenges from the rider experience to behind-the-scenes operations. With variations in the size and type of transit agencies across the Commonwealth, the needs for emerging technologies vary. Transit agencies have also identified the need for technical assistance and funding support.
Current implementation of emerging technologies also varies by agency. For example, nearly 50% of agencies are actively pursuing or have already implemented real-time technology. And approximately 50% of agencies have identified regional fare payment systems, contactless fare payment systems, and on-demand shared mobility as technologies they have implemented or aim to implement in the near-term. There remains a significant need and opportunity for transit agencies across Virginia to adopt more industry-standard technologies.
Basic transit infrastructure is insufficient.
The availability of basic transit infrastructure—such as shelters, seating, and lighting—is lacking across Virginia, with few systems providing these necessary features at most or all of their bus stops.
Elevating the importance of basic infrastructure within existing funding programs, coupled with resources and design guidance, has the potential to address this issue.
Basic infrastructure elements are of great concern, with riders expressing a widespread lack of basic bus stop features such as shelters, seating, lighting, and sidewalk connections.
— Rider Focus Groups, Summer 2021
There is increasing interest in piloting zero-fare service to overcome barriers to transit access.
Zero-fare service is transit service that is funded fully by other means than riders. The interest in and demand for piloting zero-fare service has greatly outpaced the funding that is available via DRPT’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program ( TRIP ). 70% of transit agencies across the Commonwealth have implemented or are interested in implementing zero-fare transit. Eleven transit agencies have implemented zero-fare transit for the foreseeable future or as a pilot program, and 15 agencies are currently requesting funding and studying implementation. Should more funding become available, there is an opportunity to reduce financial barriers to transit for riders across the Commonwealth by increasing the number of agencies that are able to pilot and offer zero-fare service.
Availability of transit in Virginia is high, but gaps exist.
I’ve had issues with there not being enough bus stops around my area and the few buses there are stopping very infrequently… When my schedule and destination fits with the average 9-5 working commuter’s schedule to areas like Reston and DC (which rarely happens), the system works excellently.
— Maria-Jose L., Sterling, Public Comment
Gaps are identified through analysis of opportunities accessible by transit
The Access to Opportunity analysis provides insight into how transit service supports riders in accessing jobs and destinations across the Commonwealth. This analysis aims to quantify the “opportunities", jobs and destinations, that are accessible via fixed-route transit across the Commonwealth, generalized at the census block group level. Destinations include locations such as healthcare, public spaces, grocery store, government buildings, and schools/childcare. Scores are developed based on the average number of jobs and destinations accessible via 30-45- and 60-min transit travelsheds. Darker shades correspond to locations with higher numbers of jobs and destinations accessible via transit.
People who rely on transit have less access to opportunity in comparison to those who have a vehicle
Building on the Access to Opportunity analysis, the layers illustrate the share of destinations and jobs accessible within 60 minutes by transit compared to 60 minutes by driving for census block groups served by fixed-route transit in the Commonwealth. Darker shades correspond to locations where transit could serve activity centers usually accessed by driving. In some locations, including more rural areas with lower access to opportunity, transit service providers are able to make connections for riders to available jobs and destinations, leading to higher proportion scores.
There is strong interest in fleet electrification across Virginia transit agencies, but more resources are needed.
There are a variety challenges to transition to electric buses including funding, and operation adjustments for charging, weather, and routing. While only 1% of vehicles in Virginia are fueled by battery electric, 36% of transit agencies in the Commonwealth are actively planning for, procuring, or deploying electric buses. With many more agencies seeking to follow suit, the percentage of vehicles fueled by battery electric should continue to grow in the coming years.
There is an opportunity to support the acceleration of electric transit vehicle adoption by establishing goals and policies, guidance on efficient and equitable implementation, and other programs for education/technical guidance for transit agencies to address the challenges of pursuing electrification.
Numerous bus stops are poorly placed and not well-connected to sidewalks.
There are targeted opportunities to provide better and safer access to bus stops, especially for neighborhoods and communities that rely on transit most. Private property owners, state and local agencies that own and maintain rights-of-way, and transit agencies can work together and better coordinate the placement of bus stops, ensuring that they are accessible and comfortable for users of all ages and abilities. Targeted action is needed to improve about a quarter of the roughly 15,000 bus stops in the Commonwealth where accessibility is limited.
A large number of stops are on the shoulder of the road in areas without a sidewalk. Not only does it make this unsafe for pedestrians, but it also limits the accessibility of the stop. I get worried waiting for the bus on the side of the road with my three-year-old. And individuals with mobility aids (wheelchairs, knee scooters, etc.) are unable to access a large number of stops.”
— Ryan S., Harrisonburg, VA, Public Comment
Transit is among the safest ways to travel, but there is room to improve both perceived and actual safety for transit riders, operators, and employees.
This presents the opportunity for transit agencies to better communicate how transit provides a safe travel option and increase coordination with local jurisdictions to increase security at and near transit stops.
Transit riders have limited opportunities to be a part of the decision-making process.
Transit agencies across Virginia recognize and value the importance of engagement with their communities. Transit agencies are required to have public engagement plans; however, riders currently have a limited voice in decision-making processes with only 36% of transit agencies having rider advisory committees or rider advocates.
Transit agencies can establish formal methods to include riders in decision-making processes and ensure that mechanisms are in place to engage riders from underrepresented communities, especially for representation on transit agency boards and advisory bodies. Beyond providing ample opportunities to participate and be heard, it is equally important for these voices to reach transit leadership and key decision-makers.
The majority of riders do not feel as though they have a voice in public transit —decision-making in their communities, with widespread concern that the voices that are most heard are those that are the loudest and the wealthiest, rather than those of the average rider.
— Rider Focus Groups, Summer 2021
More and better data is needed to make informed and equitable decisions.
There is an opportunity to enhance and expand the collection and availability of data at the statewide and local levels, so that DRPT and transit agencies can have the tools required to make informed decisions around projects, programs, and investments that can lead to better outcomes for all. As a part of the study, technical working group meetings have been conducted to receive feedback from agencies and industry partners. The need for more and better data has been expressed to better inform equitable transit decisions.
Image: As a short-term action, DRPT is employing Kimley‑Horn's KHAMS | Bus Stop application for assessing the condition and accessibility of bus stops with Google Street View imagery. Similarly, Seattle's Project Sidewalk utilizes Google Street View, crowdsourcing, and computer vision to acquire sidewalk accessibility information.
Equity and accessibility must be more heavily considered in guidance, requirements, and funding programs for transit agencies.
Transit supply, the availability of transit, varies across the Commonwealth. The existing transit supply can be compared to transit need (demand) to identify locations where there may be potentially underserved communities. The need for transit depends on the population and job density. Greater densities often correspond to locations with increased demand for transit service. The red areas on the map illustrate locations where a significant difference in the supply and demand of transit exists. These areas represent opportunities for further investigation to confirm the need for additional service and explore alternatives to provide service, if warranted.
While transit is operated at the local level, the Commonwealth sets policies that agencies must follow and administers funding programs in which agencies can participate. There are many opportunities for DRPT to make changes to its funding programs to better incorporate equity and accessibility considerations, and these changes have the potential to drastically increase access to jobs and opportunity at the local level across Virginia.
Next Steps
Building on opportunities uncovered through data collection and engagement with the public and stakeholders, DRPT will develop an Action Plan and Final Report with the aim to advance the modernization of transit in Virginia in a way that improves services for many and for those who need it most.
Action Plan
The study’s Action Plan will serve as a blueprint for DRPT and industry partners to use for advancing transit modernization in the Commonwealth and will serve as a framework for improving state/local policies and procedures that impact equitable service delivery and transit modernization.
Final Report
The Final Report will compile information from all stages of the study and will include an Executive Summary of major findings; a main report of all findings, recommendations, and strategies as well as the methodology for their development and identification; and technical appendices containing a glossary of terms, data sources, and a compilation of all Technical Memos.
We Want to Hear from You!
Tell DRPT about your experiences with transit in our Transit Story Portal .