Regional Transit Authority: Difference between revisions

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The idea of a '''Regional Transit Authority''' has been discussed several times over the years. A major study was conducted in the late 2000's to create an authority to replace [[Charlottesville Area Transit]] but the idea was shelved when the General Assembly declined to pass legislation to allow the community to hold a referendum on a potential sales tax increase to pay for additional service.  
The idea of a '''Regional Transit Authority''' has been discussed several times over the years. A major study was conducted in the late 2000's to create an authority to replace [[Charlottesville Area Transit]] but the idea was shelved when the General Assembly declined to pass legislation to allow the community to hold a referendum on a potential sales tax increase to pay for additional service.  


The idea returned in 2016 as some members of the [[Albemarle County]] [[Board of Supervisors]] grew frustrated over a lack of information about potential route changes among other governance issues. <ref>{{cite web|title=Transit officials continue planning for new 5th Street Station route|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/22926-wegmans-transit-route/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=February 2, 2016|accessdate=December 29, 2016}}</ref>  
The idea returned in 2016 as some members of the [[Albemarle County]] [[Board of Supervisors]] grew frustrated over a lack of information about potential route changes among other governance issues. <ref>{{cite web|title=Transit officials continue planning for new 5th Street Station route|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/22926-wegmans-transit-route/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=February 2, 2016|accessdate=February 5, 2019}}</ref>  


Beginning in 2016, the [[Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission]] conducted a study of how existing transit systems can work together short of forming an authority. <ref name="PACC">{{cite web|title=Officials briefed on U.S. 29 work, transit study|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/23838-pacc-transit-transportation/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=May 19, 2016|accessdate=January 2, 2017}}</ref> The [[City Council]] and [[Board of Supervisors]] agreed to the idea in principle in February 2017 and formally agreed to enter into the partnership in September 2017. Monthly meetings began in October 2017. <ref name="partnership">{{cite web|title=Council, supervisors agree to transit partnership|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/28626-council-supervisors-agree-to-transit-partnership/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=September 22, 2017|accessdate=October 5, 2017}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=Albemarle and Charlottesville officials talk transit partnership|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/26367-albemarle-charlottesville-transit-partnership/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=February 14, 2017|accessdate=December 26, 2017}}</ref>
Beginning in 2016, the [[Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission]] conducted a study of how existing transit systems can work together short of forming an authority. <ref name="PACC">{{cite web|title=Officials briefed on U.S. 29 work, transit study|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/23838-pacc-transit-transportation/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=May 19, 2016|accessdate=February 5, 2019}}</ref> The [[City Council]] and [[Board of Supervisors]] agreed to the idea in principle in February 2017 and formally agreed to enter into the partnership in September 2017. Monthly meetings began in October 2017. <ref name="partnership">{{cite web|title=Council, supervisors agree to transit partnership|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/28626-council-supervisors-agree-to-transit-partnership/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=September 22, 2017|accessdate=February 5, 2019}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=Albemarle and Charlottesville officials talk transit partnership|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/26367-albemarle-charlottesville-transit-partnership/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=February 14, 2017|accessdate=February 5, 2019}}</ref>




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==Late 2000's==
==Late 2000's==


At their July 19, 2006 meeting, the Policy Board of the [[Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization]] (MPO) approved a resolution of intent committing the [[City of Charlottesville|Charlottesville]] and [[Albemarle County]] to the establishment of a regional transit authority. <ref>{{cite web|title=|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/7676-regional_transi/|author=Brian Wheeler|work=|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=July 24, 2006|accessdate=August 20, 2015}}</ref>
At their July 19, 2006 meeting, the Policy Board of the [[Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization]] (MPO) approved a resolution of intent committing the [[City of Charlottesville|Charlottesville]] and [[Albemarle County]] to the establishment of a regional transit authority. <ref>{{cite web|title=Cooperation on regional transit gets support from elected officials|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/7676-regional_transi/|author=Brian Wheeler|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=July 24, 2006|accessdate=February 5, 2019}}</ref> The University of Virginia agreed to be at the table but did not commit to the idea of joining the authority. <ref>{{cite web|title=Regional transit authority moves forward, University takes a backseat|url=https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/articles/regional_transi-2/|author=Brian Wheeler|work=Podcast summary|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=July 24, 2006|accessdate=February 5, 2019}}</ref>


The consultant [[Vanasse Hangen Brustlin]] was hired to study the topic. <ref>{{cite web|title=August 2007 MPO Policy Board Meeting|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/7470-mpo_august2007/|author=|work=|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=August 17, 2015|accessdate=August 20, 2015}}</ref>
The consultant [[Vanasse Hangen Brustlin]] was hired to study the topic. <ref>{{cite web|title=August 2007 MPO Policy Board Meeting|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/7470-mpo_august2007/|author=|work=Blog Post|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=August 17, 2015|accessdate=February 5, 2019}}</ref>
 
The '''Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority''' ('''RTA''') was enabled by the [[Virginia General Assembly]] in 2009 by HB2158. <ref>[http://www.richmondsunlight.com/bill/2009/hb2158/ Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority; established. (HB2158)], [[Richmond Sunlight]], retrieved 7 Jul 2009</ref> However, a bill to allow [[Charlottesville]] and [[Albemarle County]] residents to vote on a proposed sales tax increase to fund the RTA's operations did not pass. 


In September 2008, Charlottesville city manager [[Gary O'Connell]] wrote a memo listing seven things to consider when discussing the authority. <ref>{{cite web|title=O'Connell memo on Regional Transit Authority|url=http://www.cvillepedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/File:20080915-RTA-memo.pdf|author=Gary O'Connell|work=|publisher=|location=|publishdate=September 15, 2008|accessdate=May 26, 2015}}</ref>
In September 2008, Charlottesville city manager [[Gary O'Connell]] wrote a memo listing seven things to consider when discussing the authority. <ref>{{cite web|title=O'Connell memo on Regional Transit Authority|url=http://www.cvillepedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/File:20080915-RTA-memo.pdf|author=Gary O'Connell|work=|publisher=|location=|publishdate=September 15, 2008|accessdate=May 26, 2015}}</ref>


By the summer of 2010, the had not yet been formally created. <ref name=dpgridlocked>{{cite-progress|author=Rachana Dixit|publishdate=11 Jan 2010|url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/cdp/news/local/article/areas_transit_plans_remain_gridlocked/50817/|title=Area’s transit plans remain gridlocked}}</ref>
The '''Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority''' ('''RTA''') was enabled by the [[Virginia General Assembly]] in 2009 by HB2158. <ref>[http://www.richmondsunlight.com/bill/2009/hb2158/ Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority; established. (HB2158)], [[Richmond Sunlight]], retrieved 7 Jul 2009</ref> However, a bill to allow [[Charlottesville]] and [[Albemarle County]] residents to vote on a proposed sales tax increase to fund the RTA's operations did not pass.  Soon after, stakeholders agreed to pursue the idea and continued meeting on a provisional basis to continue planning. <ref>{{cite web|title=|url=https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/articles/rta/|author=Brian Wheeler|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=May 26, 2009|accessdate=February 5, 2019}}</ref> The idea was shelved in the spring of 2010 following budgetary concerns about continuing to meet. <ref>{{cite web|title=City-County effort to form regional transit authority shelved amid Albemarle’s budget woes|url=https://www.cvilletomorrow.org/articles/rta_shelved/|author=Brian Wheeler|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=March 25, 2010|accessdate=February 5, 2019}}</ref> <ref name=dpgridlocked>{{cite-progress|author=Rachana Dixit|publishdate=11 Jan 2010|url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/cdp/news/local/article/areas_transit_plans_remain_gridlocked/50817/|title=Area’s transit plans remain gridlocked}}</ref>


==2016==
==2016==
In January, [[Charlottesville Area Transit]] manager John Jones told members of the [[MPO Policy Board]] that a new route would be established to serve [[5th Street Station]] when stores began to open in the fall. He said service would be provided a month before the opening of the Wegmans. The launch of the bus was funded in part by a $100,000 one-time cash payment from [[Riverbend Development]] that was a condition of the 2008 rezoning that allowed the shopping center to be built. <ref>{{cite web|title=Fifth Street Station and Wegmans to be served by new transit route|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/22872-fifth-street-station-and-wegmans-to-be-served-by-n/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=January 26, 2016|publishdate=January 26, 2016|accessdate=December 29, 2016}}</ref>
A dispute about funding triggered renewed interest in an authority. In January, [[Charlottesville Area Transit]] manager John Jones told members of the [[MPO Policy Board]] that a new route would be established to serve [[5th Street Station]] when stores began to open in the fall. He said service would be provided a month before the opening of the Wegmans. The launch of the bus was funded in part by a $100,000 one-time cash payment from [[Riverbend Development]] that was a condition of the 2008 rezoning that allowed the shopping center to be built. <ref>{{cite web|title=Fifth Street Station and Wegmans to be served by new transit route|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/22872-fifth-street-station-and-wegmans-to-be-served-by-n/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=January 26, 2016|publishdate=January 26, 2016|accessdate=December 29, 2016}}</ref>


Meanwhile, [[JAUNT]] pursued plans to introduce a commuter service between [[Hollymead Town Center]], the [[University of Virginia]] and downtown Charlottesville with funds provided through a proffer for the town center. This [[Route 29 Express]] was opposed by developer [[Wendell Wood]]. <ref>{{cite web|title=Hollymead developer seeks changes to transit proffer|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/23609-hollymead-transit-proffers/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=April 23, 2016|accessdate=January 2, 2017}}</ref>
Meanwhile, [[JAUNT]] pursued plans to introduce a commuter service between [[Hollymead Town Center]], the [[University of Virginia]] and downtown Charlottesville with funds provided through a proffer for the town center. This [[Route 29 Express]] was opposed by developer [[Wendell Wood]]. <ref>{{cite web|title=Hollymead developer seeks changes to transit proffer|url=http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/23609-hollymead-transit-proffers/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=Charlottesville Tomorrow|location=|publishdate=April 23, 2016|accessdate=January 2, 2017}}</ref>

Revision as of 11:39, 5 February 2019

The idea of a Regional Transit Authority has been discussed several times over the years. A major study was conducted in the late 2000's to create an authority to replace Charlottesville Area Transit but the idea was shelved when the General Assembly declined to pass legislation to allow the community to hold a referendum on a potential sales tax increase to pay for additional service.

The idea returned in 2016 as some members of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors grew frustrated over a lack of information about potential route changes among other governance issues. [1]

Beginning in 2016, the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission conducted a study of how existing transit systems can work together short of forming an authority. [2] The City Council and Board of Supervisors agreed to the idea in principle in February 2017 and formally agreed to enter into the partnership in September 2017. Monthly meetings began in October 2017. [3] [4]



Streetcar-photo-sim.jpg This Transportation-related article is a stub. You can help cvillepedia by expanding it.

History of transit in the wider community

In the mid-20th century, several different companies operated different bus lines across the region. For instance, the Davis and Laurence Bus Company began service between Mission Home and Charlottesville in March 1948 to capacity crowds. [5]

Late 2000's

At their July 19, 2006 meeting, the Policy Board of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) approved a resolution of intent committing the Charlottesville and Albemarle County to the establishment of a regional transit authority. [6] The University of Virginia agreed to be at the table but did not commit to the idea of joining the authority. [7]

The consultant Vanasse Hangen Brustlin was hired to study the topic. [8]

In September 2008, Charlottesville city manager Gary O'Connell wrote a memo listing seven things to consider when discussing the authority. [9]

The Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority (RTA) was enabled by the Virginia General Assembly in 2009 by HB2158. [10] However, a bill to allow Charlottesville and Albemarle County residents to vote on a proposed sales tax increase to fund the RTA's operations did not pass. Soon after, stakeholders agreed to pursue the idea and continued meeting on a provisional basis to continue planning. [11] The idea was shelved in the spring of 2010 following budgetary concerns about continuing to meet. [12] [13]

2016

A dispute about funding triggered renewed interest in an authority. In January, Charlottesville Area Transit manager John Jones told members of the MPO Policy Board that a new route would be established to serve 5th Street Station when stores began to open in the fall. He said service would be provided a month before the opening of the Wegmans. The launch of the bus was funded in part by a $100,000 one-time cash payment from Riverbend Development that was a condition of the 2008 rezoning that allowed the shopping center to be built. [14]

Meanwhile, JAUNT pursued plans to introduce a commuter service between Hollymead Town Center, the University of Virginia and downtown Charlottesville with funds provided through a proffer for the town center. This Route 29 Express was opposed by developer Wendell Wood. [15]

The Route 29 service launched on May 2, 2016. [16]

In September, Albemarle supervisors asked to be given more information about routes that travel through the county. [17] In early October, supervisors and councilors agreed to study a regional transit authority once again. [18]

Additionally, the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro is studying regional transit between Harrisonburg and Charlottesvile. [2] [19]

Elected officials agree to create the regional transit partnership in September 2017. [3]

References

  1. ↑ Web. Transit officials continue planning for new 5th Street Station route, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, February 2, 2016, retrieved February 5, 2019.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Web. Officials briefed on U.S. 29 work, transit study, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, May 19, 2016, retrieved February 5, 2019.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Web. Council, supervisors agree to transit partnership, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, September 22, 2017, retrieved February 5, 2019.
  4. ↑ Web. Albemarle and Charlottesville officials talk transit partnership, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, February 14, 2017, retrieved February 5, 2019.
  5. ↑ Web. Mission Home Bus Line Inaugurates Service, Staff Reports, Daily Progress Digitized Microfilm, Lindsay family, March 17, 1948, retrieved December 13, 2016 from University of Virginia Library.
  6. ↑ Web. Cooperation on regional transit gets support from elected officials, Brian Wheeler, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, July 24, 2006, retrieved February 5, 2019.
  7. ↑ Web. Regional transit authority moves forward, University takes a backseat, Brian Wheeler, Podcast summary, Charlottesville Tomorrow, July 24, 2006, retrieved February 5, 2019.
  8. ↑ Web. August 2007 MPO Policy Board Meeting, Blog Post, Charlottesville Tomorrow, August 17, 2015, retrieved February 5, 2019.
  9. ↑ Web. O'Connell memo on Regional Transit Authority, Gary O'Connell, September 15, 2008, retrieved May 26, 2015.
  10. ↑ Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority; established. (HB2158), Richmond Sunlight, retrieved 7 Jul 2009
  11. ↑ Web. [1], Brian Wheeler, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, May 26, 2009, retrieved February 5, 2019.
  12. ↑ Web. City-County effort to form regional transit authority shelved amid Albemarle’s budget woes, Brian Wheeler, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, March 25, 2010, retrieved February 5, 2019.
  13. ↑ Web. Area’s transit plans remain gridlocked, Rachana Dixit, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, 11 Jan 2010
  14. ↑ Web. Fifth Street Station and Wegmans to be served by new transit route, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, January 26, 2016, January 26, 2016, retrieved December 29, 2016.
  15. ↑ Web. Hollymead developer seeks changes to transit proffer, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, April 23, 2016, retrieved January 2, 2017.
  16. ↑ Web. Albemarle County Announces 29 Express Route Starting May 2, Press Release, Albemarle County, April 28, 2016, retrieved January 2, 2017.
  17. ↑ Web. Albemarle seeks formal reporting process for city bus system, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, October 3, 2016, retrieved January 11, 2017.
  18. ↑ Web. Supervisors and Councilors agree to discuss regional transit authority, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, October 4, 2016, retrieved January 11, 2017.
  19. ↑ Web. Groups briefed on Harrisonburg-to-Charlottesville bus service, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Charlottesville Tomorrow, September 27, 2017, retrieved October 5, 2017.
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