METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

'Connects Communities' Campaign to Promote Public Transit Across Virginia

The statewide initiative is designed to educate Virginians on the essential role public transit plays in creating connected, thriving communities, and improving the quality of life for all residents.

September 6, 2024
'Connects Communities' Campaign to Promote Public Transit Across Virginia

A dedicated page on the ConnectingVA website will offer in-depth information on local transit options, the benefits of using transit, and various resources.

Photo: DRPT

2 min to read


The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is launching its "Connects Communities" campaign.

The statewide initiative is designed to educate Virginians on the essential role public transit plays in creating connected, thriving communities, and improving the quality of life for all residents.

Ad Loading...

Connecting Communities

With a focus on how public transportation systems in Virginia connect people to jobs, education, healthcare, and recreational activities, the "Connects Communities" program aims to increase awareness and usage of local transit options across the Commonwealth.

Key Campaign Highlights:

  • Enhancing Connectivity: The campaign will emphasize how public transit links communities, helping residents move easily and efficiently throughout the state.

  • Economic Benefits: By providing access to jobs, education, and services, public transit systems bolster local economies, benefiting both individuals and businesses.

  • Sustainability: Public transportation is a key player in reducing carbon emissions and minimizing environmental impact, supporting Virginia's commitment to sustainability.

  • Accessibility: The campaign will promote the accessibility of public transit, ensuring that it serves all Virginians, including those with disabilities, senior citizens, and low-income individuals.

Planned Outreach

The campaign will include a robust mix of digital, radio, print, and social media outreach, along with video content.

A dedicated page on the ConnectingVA website will offer in-depth information on local transit options, the benefits of using transit, and various resources.

Ad Loading...

“We are excited to launch the 'Connects Communities' campaign to highlight the vital role public transportation plays in the lives of Virginians,” said DRPT Director Zach Trogdon. “Public transit is more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it’s a lifeline that connects our communities, supports our economy, and promotes sustainability. We encourage everyone to learn more about their local transit options and how they can benefit from using public transportation.”

More Management

AAAHI receiving METRO's Innovative Operator of the Year Award
Motorcoachby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

METRO Opens Submissions for 2026 Motorcoach Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year and Innovative Operator of the Year awards.

Read More →
A New York MTA subway car with an open gangway
Railby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 16, 2026

New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion

Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.

Read More →
Transit Leaders Gather for National Safety Summit
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit

Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with text reading "NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 14, 2026

NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program at First Board Meeting

The new regional transit authority appointed its first board chair and interim executive director while extending reduced fares across CTA, Metra, and Pace for eligible riders.

Read More →
From Checklists to Better Outcomes
TechnologySeptember 11, 2026

Beyond the Checklist: A Structured Approach to Transit Maintenance

Reliability-Centered Maintenance helps transit agencies move beyond routine checklists to focus limited resources on the assets and failures that have the greatest impact on safety, reliability, and service.

Read More →
A red, white, and blue graphic with the APTA logo and text reading "APTA Nominates 2026-2027 Chair & Vice Chair."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 10, 2026

APTA 2026 Nominating Committee Selects Leadership Slate, Names Chair and Vice Chair Nominees

Leadership changes will help shape the association’s priorities and its representation of the transportation industry during the 2026–2027 term.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
DART's light rail station at 8th and Corinth
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 10, 2026

DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative

The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.

Read More →
STraffic White Paper Cover Learn about delivering 1300 gates at 91 stations while managing fare evasion. Explore the large scale deployment, solution customization and real-world results that affect the region. Prepare for deployment in your region now.
SponsoredSeptember 9, 2026

Advancing Fare Collection Through Technology and Innovation

Learn about delivering 1300 gates at 91 stations while managing fare evasion. Explore the large scale deployment, solution customization and real-world results that affect the region. Prepare for deployment in your region now.

Read More →
A TransLink train goes by a large FIFA World Cup soccer ball structure.
Managementby Elora HaynesSeptember 8, 2026

Game Day in Motion: Moving Millions During the 2026 World Cup

Between packed transit stations and team motorcoaches, see how agencies and operators across North America tackled the transportation demands of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with text reading "Surface Transportation Averts Shutdown, Leaves Transit Funding Gap."
Managementby Elora HaynesSeptember 4, 2026

Surface Transportation Extension Averts Shutdown, Leaves Transit Funding Gap

The stopgap keeps federal transportation programs moving, but missing advance funding could complicate the transit and rail projects agencies are planning next.

Read More →