The Virginia Breeze intercity bus service has vastly exceeded original ridership estimates since its launch in late 2017. Two more lines are slated to launch in the spring or summer of next year.
Since Virginia's Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) rolled out its Virginia Breeze intercity bus service in November 2017, it has become "far more than just a campus connector between Tech and its NoVA satellite location. The Breeze has become a vital regional link, especially for students, the elderly, daytrippers, and business travellers," Wyatt Gordon writes.
As the state's first attempt at long-distance bus transportation, the Virginia Breeze serves a need that previously went unmet. Since its launch, the Breeze has exceeded initial ridership estimates by a striking 200 percent.
"With its public private partnership with Megabus, a Coach USA company, Virginia has access to buses and logistical support without having to buy its own fleet or hire staff to maintain and drive them," Gordon writes. "For a ticket price ranging between $15 and $50, passengers on the 56-seat Breeze buses get a restroom, baggage storage, free Wi-Fi, and in-seat power outlets just like regular Megabus customers." The service also relies on funding from the Federal Transit Administration's Intercity Bus Program.
Building on an encouraging start, Virginia is planning to launch two more Breeze lines in the spring or summer of 2020.
FULL STORY: Taking a bus across Virginia is now a Breeze
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