News Summary
The Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) is waiving all transit fares during Try Transit Week from September 18 to September 21. This initiative encourages community members and visitors to utilize public transportation, highlighting its safety, convenience, and reliability. Residents, students, workers, and visitors can enjoy free rides while WATA hosts pop-up information tables to promote transit services. WATA aims to boost ridership and demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of public transit. The Transit app is recommended for real-time updates and trip planning.
Williamsburg – The Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) has announced that all fares will be waived on its transit routes during the ongoing Try Transit Week, which began on September 18 and will continue until September 21. This initiative aims to encourage more residents and visitors to utilize public transportation and to demonstrate that it can be a safe, convenient, and reliable option for travel.
During this week, free fares will be available to everyone including residents, visitors, workers, and students. The program is a strategic effort by WATA to boost ridership by showing the community the benefits of public transportation.
Matthew Scalia, the executive director of WATA, noted the importance of public transportation in fostering community development. The transit authority services a broad area that includes Williamsburg, James City County, and the Bruton district of York County, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
To further engage the public, WATA will host two pop-up information tables at the Williamsburg Transportation Center on September 16 and September 18, from 10 a.m. to noon. At these tables, attendees can learn more about the services offered, receive giveaways, and ask questions about the transportation system.
WATA emphasizes that public transportation not only supports individual travelers but also brings significant economic advantages to the community. For every dollar invested in public transit, there is an estimated return of $4 in economic benefits, indicating a strong financial return from investment in these services. Additionally, using public transportation helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to driving personal vehicles.
For those interested in planning their trips during Try Transit Week, WATA encourages the use of the Transit app, which offers real-time route information, schedules, and mobile ticketing options. This app makes it easier for riders to navigate the transit system and stay informed about schedules and potential delays.
Individuals seeking more detailed information about WATA’s services, including route maps, schedules, and any other inquiries can visit the official WATA website at www.gowata.org or call the WATA office directly at 757-220-5493.
This initiative marks an important step in promoting public transportation within the Williamsburg area, aiming to attract more riders by eliminating fare costs and showcasing the benefits of switching to transit. By doing so, WATA hopes to cultivate a stronger, more connected community through improved access to transit options.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- Wikipedia: Public transportation
- WY Daily
- Google Search: Try Transit Week
- Curbed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public transport
- ALXnow
- Google News: Public transit initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
