PlanRVA Rural Transit Analysis
Identifying Potential Transportation Alternatives for Rural Virginia Communities
Initiated on behalf of the Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RRTPO), PlanRVA—supported by LaBella as a subconsultant—conducted a Rural Transportation Analysis to identify and evaluate public transportation options tailored to the needs of rural communities within PlanRVA’s region. The study focused on Charles City, Goochland, Hanover, New Kent, and Powhatan Counties in Virginia.
The RRTPO Policy Board directed the analysis following the launch of the Greater Richmond Transit Company’s zero-fare, on-demand Microtransit program. While the program offers public transportation within dedicated zones. RRTPO sought to explore more comprehensive transportation services for the region’s rural communities.
The goal of the study was to identify viable transit services aligned with the unique demographics, mobility needs, and land use patterns of each county. Recommendations were developed with consideration for the practical capabilities and limitations of existing regional transit providers. To inform the analysis, LaBella interviewed these providers to better understand their operations, service delivery models, and the funding mechanisms that support both current and potential expanded transit operations. The study evaluated a range of service types, including microtransit, demand-response, and commuter service.
Based on these findings, service plans were created for each county, along with an assessment of infrastructure capacity and limitations that could affect implementation. The final report includes a quantitative evaluation of the proposed transportation alternatives, including operating and capital costs, and identifies potential funding opportunities. LaBella led the technical analysis as a subconsultant under the PlanRVA On-Call Term Agreement.
