Petersburg Area Transit unveils paratransit modernization plan and community engagement findings

PETERSBURG, Va. — Petersburg Area Transit (PAT) and project consultants presented results of a federally funded Petersburg Transit Modernization Initiative to City Council on March 18, outlining operational changes and public engagement aimed at improving paratransit service and accessibility.

The project, funded by an FTA grant for areas of persistent poverty and carried out with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, examined three components: (1) a comprehensive operational analysis (COA) of paratransit; (2) an accessibility gap assessment for fixed‑route and paratransit service; and (3) a low/zero‑emission (low‑no) feasibility study. Presenters said the COA is complete and the accessibility assessment is the next phase.

Why it matters: Paratransit provides door‑to‑door service required under the Americans with Disabilities Act for eligible riders. PAT officials told council the agency must balance limited staff and vehicles with growing rider demand; proposed changes are intended to speed trips, improve on‑time performance, expand information access and make better use of state and federal discretionary grants.

What presenters told council - Scope and funding: The initiative is a partnership among the City, PAT and DRPT and was awarded an FTA grant targeted to persistent‑poverty areas. The presenters said the project focuses first on paratransit operations and accessibility and will later cover the low/zero‑emission study. - Engagement results: The project team reported more than 270 community interactions and over 500 survey responses gathered by paper, online outreach, pop‑up events and six community “champions.” Stakeholder partners included Virginia Works, Crater Health District and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services; non‑emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers were a unique engagement group identified for partnership. - Key takeaways from riders: PAT riders described transit as a “lifeline.” Common requests included extended evening and weekend hours (including Saturday and possible Sunday service), better bus stop infrastructure (shelters, benches), more reliable real‑time arrival information, clearer schedule posting and improved access to employment centers and grocery stores. - Operational opportunities: The COA recommended an electronic ADA paratransit application (the current form is paper), clearer applicant communications during the multi‑step eligibility process, expanded automation for trip booking and scheduling, a self‑service phone option, real‑time vehicle arrival alerts and more frequent customer feedback collection. - Low/zero‑emission planning: The feasibility study will assess costs and infrastructure needs to transition from diesel/fossil fuel vehicles toward battery electric buses; that work was described as a later project phase.

Council questions and discussion Council members pressed on sidewalk and bus‑stop conditions (including a Colonial Heights Walmart stop outside Petersburg), the cost of shelters (staff estimated $15,000–$20,000 per shelter plus site work), potential weekend service and targeted routes to a forthcoming casino employment site. PAT staff said a follow‑up workshop presentation on April 1 will address extended hours and routes; staff also said grant funding will be pursued for shelters and bus stop improvements.

Quote “The community members really value the service. There is a desire for extended service hours, on the weekends and also a desire for Sunday service,” the consultant Danielle McCray said during the presentation.

Next steps: PAT will move to the accessibility gap assessment this spring and return to council after that phase. The low/zero‑emission feasibility study will follow as part of next steps.