Bus Service In Christiansburg?

Perhaps.  From Blacksburg Alert today:

The Town of Christiansburg in conjunction with Blacksburg Transit, the Town of Blacksburg,  Virginia Tech, and Montgomery County* are working together to increase public transportation and commuting options within the Town of Christiansburg. The first step in this process is the completion of a survey that will be mailed to Christiansburg residents to determine the use/need of expanded bus service in the Christiansburg area.

The bus survey offers a unique opportunity for each citizen to contribute and help design the future of bus service in Christiansburg. The results of this survey, which will be sent to every household in the Christiansburg area, will serve as the foundation for the new service; hence every response is critical. Christiansburg Town Manager Lance Terpenny, commented  "The great thing about this survey is that it allows our citizens to contribute to the planning process; ultimately building their own service."

The survey will be mailed early October 2008, with the estimated implementation of the routes set for late 2009.

For further information regarding the survey contact Erik Olsen, Transportation Planner at (540) 961-1185 or email eolsen@blacksburg.gov.

* Survey funded by the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Montgomery Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

Christiansburg residents ... be on the lookout for these surveys.  Better public transportation options are likely going to be more and more important to our communities in the coming years.

Comments

[Bill]

I believe this is a good effort, but I wish they would include possible service between Christiansburg and Radford within the survey. Driving to and from work I see people walking down Rt 11, and also those really slow scooters driving down a road that isn't safe for them. It would also provide the opportunity to get people out of their cars. I know I would take it if available.

[Jeremy Hart]

I think I read someone else mention they'd like to see Radford included as well, Bill, so it sounds like you're not alone. I know we've discussed that before, the added risk that scooters and pedestrians create on Route 11. I wonder if there could be a loop between the NRV Mall and retail area, down Peppers Ferry into Fairlawn, through downtown Radford and then up Radford Road? Certainly not a 15-minute interval thing, but something that would make it easier to get in and out of the area. It seems like connecting the downtowns of Radford-Christiansburg-Blacksburg in some way just makes sense.

Do you live in Christiansburg, Bill? Will you be able to participate in the survey and offer some suggestions?

[CL]

there's a catch if you listen to the recording very, very carefully...the goal is to start this then have Christiansburg do the work of getting grants to support it in the future....uh...Christiansburg doesn't do grants...ever...all grant money that has come in has come from other jurisdiction (like Montgomery County) doing the grant...just like was discussed at town council meeting about the huckleberry trail extension. So, don't get too excited...it may start but will it last?