[IMAGE]Virginia-Tech-Smart-Way-Bus-full.jpg[/IMAGE]Commuting at Virginia Tech is getting smarter — in a big way. The Smart Way commuter bus service based in Roanoke, Va., introduced a larger, 57-seat motorcoach manufactured by Motor Coach Industries (MCI) that will replace the current fleet of 32-seat buses traveling between Roanoke, Christiansburg and Blacksburg.

The new, 45-foot-long MCI coaches feature more space, additional luggage capacity, lumbar seating, overhead luggage bins, wireless Internet access, six 10-inch video monitors and LED lighting. Buses also feature a wheelchair lift and bike rack. The bus was introduced Thursday during events in Roanoke and Blacksburg.

“Virginia Tech is excited to support the launch of the Smart Way motorcoach,” said Sherwood Wilson, vice president of administrative services for Virginia Tech. “Our students will appreciate the extra room and luggage space when they travel to and from the airport, and our staff, faculty and visitors will enjoy an even better ride to campus.”

Smart Way ridership is up 6.2 percent this year, and officials say they believe the new buses will help to drive additional demand. Through October, 48,927 commuters have traveled the Smart Way this year alone — an average of 4,892 per month. Since Smart Way began in 2004, the number of commuters is up nearly 150 percent.

“The Smart Way has been recognized for providing quality and convenient service that helps to reduce traffic along Interstate 81, saves our riders commuting costs, and contributes to our region’s increasing focus on sustainability,” said Carl Palmer, general manager of Greater Roanoke Transit, the company operating Valley Metro and Smart Way. “Our new motorcoaches will enhance that service by offering larger coaches with greater capacity for a more comfortable ride to connect the valleys.”

Four buses are joining the Smart Way fleet. Each bus costs $490,000, paid for through federal, state, and local sources. The new motorcoaches are scheduled to begin servicing the valleys on Jan. 4, 2010.

“Commuters are seeing the benefits and value of taking the Smart Way to travel between Roanoke and the New River Valley,” said Beverly T. Fitzpatrick Jr., executive director of the Virginia Museum of Transportation and chair of the Smart Way Advisory Committee. “This larger bus, with all the latest amenities and technology, reflects our region’s efforts to embrace public transportation.”