WILLIAMSBURG— City Council voted unanimously at its Feb. 12 meeting to allow the city manager and city attorney to proceed with the necessary paperwork to add Williamsburg to the Virginia Breeze bus line.
The request came from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to use the Transportation Center for the Tidewater Current route of the Virginia Breeze bus line. The department proposed adding a once-daily stop at the Transportation Center.
The Virginia Breeze bus line is described as a connection to small towns and cities throughout the commonwealth and beyond. Williamsburg would be added to the Tidewater Current route, which is slated to launch in the spring. The route is designed to strengthen travel options between Coastal Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, connecting key destinations along the Interstate 64 corridor.
According to a release from Academy Bus, the bus provider for the route, planned stops include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, New Kent, Richmond International Airport, Richmond Main Street Station, Charlottesville, Staunton and Harrisonburg.
Background information states that because the agreement is made directly with a state agency, no public hearing is required for City Council to consider it.
The proposed memorandum allows the department to use the Transportation Center for its once-daily stop in coordination with Williamsburg Area Transit Authority so it does not interfere with existing routes. The agreement term is one year, with three automatic renewals. Either party may terminate the agreement at the end of the term or any renewal term. The department has requested that the city permit use of the Transportation Center without compensation because it serves a public purpose.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for March 12 at 2 p.m. at the Stryker Center. More information is available on the city’s official website.
