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New Kent officials outline expanded Bay Transit services, microtransit pilot and paratransit options
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Summary
Transportation director Amy Inman briefed the Board on three Bay Transit services now serving New Kent: countywide rural transit, a new microtransit pilot (BT4U app, $1 per trip in the pilot zone) and Freedom Mobility Management for seniors and those with disabilities, plus regional Virginia Breeze bus service stops at Colonial Downs.
Amy Inman, New Kent’s transportation development director, told the Board of Supervisors on April 28 that the county now has three Bay Transit services: rural transit, a Freedom Mobility Management paratransit service for seniors and people with disabilities, and a new microtransit pilot that uses an app called BT4U.
Inman said the rural transit service will continue to operate across the county and, beginning July 1, the county expects to have two vehicles dedicated to New Kent rather than sharing three vehicles with Charles City. Rural trips within the county cost $2, and some weekday medical runs into the Laburnum/Richmond area have been offered at $3 per trip.
The Freedom Mobility Management service is aimed at residents age 60 and older and people with short- or long-term disabilities; Inman said it is not intended to duplicate Medicaid transportation. Riders must schedule at least 72 hours ahead for medical trips; a round trip up to 50 miles costs $5 and 51–90 miles costs $10. Inman said the program is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and operated by Academy Bus.
The microtransit pilot covers roughly 22 square miles of the county and functions like an app-based shared ride (similar to Uber/Lyft), with a $1 fare. Riders can download the BT4U app or call Bay Transit to schedule; Inman recommended scheduling about 30 minutes in advance. The pilot is partially funded by a demonstration grant; staff will review usage data during the demonstration period to assess whether to continue or expand the service.
Inman also described a new Virginia Breeze long-distance route that began April 20 and stops at Colonial Downs and Rosie's Gaming Emporium in New Kent. The service connects to multiple cities and to Richmond International Airport; fares and schedules are available on the Virginia Breeze website.
Board members asked several operational questions. One supervisor sought confirmation that parts of District 5 are covered; Inman confirmed a limited overlap from an adjacent microtransit service and offered to provide more precise routing information. Another asked how Freedom eligibility is verified; Inman said some verification likely occurs but she could not detail the exact process and encouraged staff and Bay Transit to clarify procedures. The board discussed outreach methods—press releases, printed cards, flyers, and social media—and Inman offered direct help for residents who need assistance downloading the BT4U app.
The presentation emphasized connections to regional transit and lower-cost local mobility options; staff said they will monitor ridership and report back as the demonstration grant period progresses.
