Williamsburg transit agency reports ridership rebound, plans phased expansion and new transit center

Mister Scalia, a representative of the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority, told the Williamsburg City Council during its Jan. 5 work session that the agency finished fiscal 2025 with higher ridership than in 2019 despite operating fewer hours and later evening service.

Scalia said operator hiring and retention have improved and that the authority has authorized hiring above full strength to build capacity. "We are now at actually over 100% in operators," he said, and added that six new buses—four compressed natural gas vehicles and two clean-diesel buses—are on order for spring delivery.

The presentation laid out a three‑phase strategic plan through 2030. Phase 1 targets all-day 30‑minute service on the network spine (Route 1 toward Lee Hall and Route 2/Richmond Road), with the agency aiming to implement expanded frequency in late March to coincide with spring break and amended FY26 budgets. Phase 2 (FY28) would extend 30‑minute frequency to Route 3 (Merrimack Trail) and Route 7…