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Virginia Regional Transit, KFH present transit feasibility study recommending Luray route and countywide demand‑response
Summary
Virginia Regional Transit and consultant KFH Group presented a draft feasibility study recommending a flexible fixed route in Luray and a countywide demand‑response service, outlined estimated operating and capital costs, and identified a DRPT demonstration grant (application deadline 02/01/2026) as the likely near‑term funding path.
Virginia Regional Transit (VRT) and consultant KFH Group presented a draft Page County transit feasibility study and outlined potential service designs, cost estimates and next steps.
Phil Thompson, Director of Operations for Virginia Regional Transit, told supervisors that VRT formerly operated a circulator in the county and that conversations beginning in 2018 and momentum with local partners led to a study funded through a county‑town collaboration. KFH Group (project coordinator Lib Rood) said the study launched in October 2024, included stakeholder outreach and a public survey that generated 803 responses, and found 88% of survey participants indicated a need for public transportation in Page County.
The study recommends two primary services: a flexible fixed route in Luray to serve concentrated origins and destinations, and a countywide demand‑response (paratransit‑style) service to provide pickups from homes across the larger county. Proposed operating hours and fare concepts under review included Monday–Friday service in Luray with hourly service and a 50¢ fare and a demand‑response program with a $1 fare. Ridership and vehicle estimates were presented as ranges based on comparable small towns.
Consultants summarized likely funding sources and timing: a DRPT demonstration grant (80% state / 20% local) is the typical startup mechanism and would require a local operating match—KFH estimated roughly $82,000/year local operating share during a demonstration period—followed by eligibility for the federal Section 5311 rural program for ongoing operations (federal 50% with varying state and local shares). Capital grants commonly fund 80% federal / ~16% state / ~4% local for vehicles. Consultants noted the DRPT demonstration application deadline is 02/01/2026 and said VRT would lead grant applications if the board directed next steps.
Board members asked questions about combining fixed and demand‑response services and whether a phased approach would work; presenters said the draft service plan already blends those ideas to match population and job density. The presentation concluded with staff offering to post the draft report on the county website and return with implementation options if the board desires to proceed.
