Williamsburg Area Transit Authority pitches faster, more convenient service; new transfer center due this summer
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Summary
WATA told the York County Board of Supervisors it has recovered pre‑COVID ridership, plans frequency increases on key routes, is adding six buses this spring, and will open the WATA North Transit Center off Mooretown Road with a summer ribbon cutting.
Williamsburg Area Transit Authority representatives briefed the York County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 3, saying FY25 ridership has recovered past pre‑pandemic (FY2019) levels and that the agency is advancing a strategic plan to boost convenience and frequency to attract more riders. "We did surpass FY19," the presenter said, noting core routes would exceed pre‑COVID numbers even without a special route included in the total.
WATA said operator staffing has stabilized—"we are in a good steady spot with operator strength"—and highlighted fleet and procurement plans: the agency operates 20 clean‑diesel and nine CNG buses and has six new buses on order for April delivery. Staff at the meeting estimated typical delivery lead times at 12–14 months and said a current per‑bus price is roughly $700,000 depending on fuel type.
The authority described customer‑facing improvements including a mobile ticketing app with real‑time bus tracking and push notifications for service changes. "You can download our app, set up your account, purchase the ticket on your phone, and you just walk onto the bus and you get scanned," the presenter said, adding the app also sends storm and delay alerts.
WATA previewed the WATA North Transit Center off Mooretown Road, near the Walkerton Center and YMCA, and said the project is progressing with steel rising and a ribbon cutting planned for summer. The presenter described the center as a transfer point where riders will catch connecting routes and said the agency will seek public comment before implementing route changes tied to the new facility.
On service levels, WATA proposed moving five routes toward 30‑minute frequency and keeping two routes at 15‑minute frequency in high‑demand corridors; the agency said some frequency increases do not require direct action from York County. Service hours were listed as 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Sundays. Fares remain $1.50 per ride or $3 for an all‑day pass; monthly passes were reported at $45. The presenter also told the board the WATA board approved fare‑free travel for K–12 students to encourage long‑term ridership.
Board members questioned access, walkability and connections to regional providers. WATA said its only current physical connection to Hampton Roads Transit is at Lee Hall and that staff are studying improved connections and possible microtransit feeder services for low‑density areas. The presenter said a feasibility study on electric and zero‑emission vehicles is underway.
The presentation ended with an invitation to the summer ribbon cutting and a note that WATA will solicit public input on any route adjustments tied to the new transfer center.
