Virginia State provides an extensive range of public transportation options for its residents and visitors. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and operation of public transportation across the state. DRPT offers a variety of services including bus, rail, ferry, paratransit, vanpool, and ridesharing. Bus services are offered by local transit agencies across the state providing commuters with connections to their destinations. Rail services are provided by Amtrak and Norfolk Southern Railway with routes connecting cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth. Ferry services provide access to remote areas along the Chesapeake Bay as well as transportation between Norfolk and Portsmouth. For those in need of special assistance, paratransit programs provide door-to-door service at discounted fares for those with disabilities or medical conditions that prevent them from using conventional bus or rail systems. Vanpools allow commuters to share rides with other riders based on similar work schedules reducing their commute time and cost. Finally, ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft offer increased options for those who prefer a more flexible commuting experience. All these options provide Virginians with reliable public transport choices enabling them to explore their own city or travel around the state conveniently without relying on private vehicles.
The typical American commute has been getting longer each year since 2010. The average one-way commute in Virginia takes 28.2 minutes. That's longer than the US average of 26.4 minutes.
How people in Virginia get to work:
- 77.3% drive their own car alone
- 9.3% carpool with others
- 4.8% work from home
- 4.4% take mass transit