Alternative transportation options make getting around easier

With a large incoming class starting this week, traffic is expected to be heavier than normal in Blacksburg.

Students and employees are encouraged to take advantage of the following Virginia Tech alternative transportation programs that can help them save time and money and reduce their carbon footprint.

Blacksburg Transit (BT)

To help with the anticipated rise in demand for transit services, Blacksburg Transit has increased the frequency of several weekday routes and expanded their weekend service. Service is free to students and employees who present their Hokie Passport upon boarding. Blacksburg Transit operates 46 buses that serve 13 routes in Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Passengers can also use Blacksburg Transit to make connections to other bus lines, with service to locations that include Radford, Roanoke, and Washington, D.C.

Bike, Bus, and Walk program

The Bike, Bus, and Walk program is available to individuals who live close to campus and regularly use alternative transportation methods, such as riding the bus, bicycling, and/or walking. Those who register for the program receive incentives, such as discounted daily parking permits and access to Emergency Ride Home Service, which provides members with a ride to their vehicle or local residence in case of emergency. Bike, Bus, and Walk semester permits are $30 and year permits are $60.

Carpooling

Carpooling saves money on parking and gas, and it's the closest option to reserved parking on campus. Two or more full-time faculty/staff or commuter/graduate students can register for a carpool permit. This permit includes one carpool permit, access to reserved carpool parking spaces in the front area of most large parking lots, five free daily passes per participant (participants may also purchase additional daily passes), and access to an Emergency Ride Home service. Zimride and RIDE Solutions both have programs that can help pair students to establish a carpool group. Carpool semester permits are $126 and year permits are $210.

Individuals who wish to travel regionally or out-of-state are also encouraged to take advantage of the alternative transportation programs in place. Learn more on the Alterative Transportation website.