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Williamsburg transit ridership surpasses pre-pandemic levels as expansion plans move forward

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. emic-levels-as-expansion-plans-move-forward.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 10:53 GMT by WTKR
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3.45 million passengers—a 12 % jump over the 3.09 million riders reported in 2019, the last full year before the pandemic shut down most of the city’s travel patterns. The article highlights how the WTA’s expansion of services and the city’s investment in transit infrastructure have helped bring people back onto the buses, and it also outlines plans that will keep the upward trend going.

Key Drivers Behind the Surge

The WTA’s rebound is the product of several coordinated strategies that were rolled out over the past two years. First, the authority increased the frequency of its most popular routes. The Downtown‑West End route, for instance, now runs every 10 minutes during peak hours instead of the previous 20‑minute schedule. This change has been particularly important for commuters who rely on the bus to reach jobs in the Virginia Tech–Richmond corridor and for students traveling to the College of William & Mary.

Second, the WTA added three new routes in 2023. One of them—Route 21—links Williamsburg’s historic district with the Newport News area, creating a direct connection that was previously served only by rideshare or private vehicles. Another, Route 12, serves a newly developed residential zone in the eastern part of the city, a neighborhood that had been underserved by public transport until the WTA’s recent expansion. The third, Route 13, was designed to provide a shuttle service between Williamsburg’s airport and the downtown area, a move that has made it easier for business travelers and tourists alike to use the bus network.

Third, the city’s commitment to modernizing the bus fleet has contributed to ridership gains. The WTA purchased 12 new, low‑floor buses that are equipped with free Wi‑Fi and real‑time GPS tracking. In addition, the authority announced a pilot program for electric buses in the 2025 budget, which is expected to reduce operating costs and appeal to environmentally conscious riders. The article quoted WTA’s CEO, Maria Sanchez, who said, “Modern, reliable, and environmentally responsible vehicles are part of our promise to the community, and we’re seeing the public respond.”

Funding and Political Support

Funding for these expansion efforts came from a combination of sources. The WTA’s budget was boosted by a $4.5 million grant from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), which the article notes was secured through a joint transportation planning effort led by Williamsburg’s city council and VDOT’s regional office. The city also contributed $1.2 million from its Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to cover route expansion and infrastructure upgrades, such as new bus shelters and signal priority at key intersections.

The WTA’s board, whose meeting minutes are linked in the article (link: https://www.williamsburgva.gov/transportation/board-meetings/2023-05-15), approved a $7.8 million capital improvement plan that included the new routes and vehicle purchases. The board’s report, which can be viewed in PDF form on the city’s website, also documents a partnership with the College of William & Mary to share the costs of a dedicated student shuttle. “We are building a transit system that works for students, residents, and businesses alike,” the board’s chair, James Howard, said in a statement cited by the WTKR article.

Community Impact

The ridership surge has tangible benefits for the Williamsburg community. Local businesses along the bus routes have reported higher foot traffic, and the city’s tourism board has noted an uptick in visitors using public transport to reach historic sites, museums, and parks. The article includes an interview with a local restaurateur who said the new bus route has brought “a steady stream of lunch‑time customers who are just passing through.”

The WTA’s data also shows a shift in travel patterns: 38 % of riders now use the bus for daily commuting, a 5 % increase over 2021. The remaining 62 % use the service for other purposes such as school trips, medical appointments, or leisure. “It’s a sign that people are comfortable with our service again,” the article quotes City Manager Lisa Green as saying.

Looking Ahead

The WTA’s forward‑looking plans, as outlined in the article, focus on further expansion and integration with regional transit. The authority is negotiating with the Virginia Beach Transit Authority (VBTA) to extend Route 21 to the Virginia Beach waterfront, and with Northampton County’s bus system to create a seamless cross‑county service. Additionally, the city’s Transportation Master Plan—link provided in the article (link: https://www.williamsburgva.gov/transportation/master-plan.pdf)—outlines a long‑term vision that includes building a dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor along the historic shoreline.

The plan also incorporates the use of data analytics to optimize routing and schedule adjustments, and it envisions a future where the WTA operates a network of electric buses, supported by new charging stations at major stops. The article stresses that these ambitions are contingent on securing additional federal and state grants, but the current momentum suggests that Williamsburg’s transit system is poised to continue its upward trajectory.

Bottom Line

In short, Williamsburg’s bus network is back stronger than ever, with ridership exceeding pre‑pandemic figures thanks to increased service frequency, new routes, modern vehicles, and robust public‑private partnerships. The article on WTKR not only celebrates this success but also highlights the strategic planning and financial backing that have made it possible. With expansion plans in motion and a clear vision for a greener, more connected future, the city’s transit system is set to become a cornerstone of Williamsburg’s economic growth and quality of life.