There’s a new way to commute in Central Virginia

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Central Virginia is paving the way for an easier, cheaper, and more convenient commute with a new initiative aimed at transforming how residents travel.

Thanks to the Central Virginia Planning District Commission (CVPDC) and support from the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, commuters in the Greater Lynchburg area now have access to sustainable and affordable travel options through the Central Virginia Commuter Services program.

Ada Hunsberger, the Program Manager, said the program serves Lynchburg and extends to Campbell, Bedford and Appomattox counties, and towns within these areas.

The centerpiece of the initiative is the ConnectingVA app, a tool designed to make commuting more accessible and efficient. Through the app, commuters can plan their trips, explore carpooling options, find transit routes, map out cycling paths, and organize vanpools. Every trip logged within the app earns rewards.

“A lot of folks are burdened by not maintaining a vehicle or not owning an individual vehicle, getting access to transportation for new employment opportunities, so this program really just tries to bridge the gap between those individuals,” said Hunsberger.

The program aims to bridge the gap for individuals seeking reliable transportation to new job opportunities.

The app allows users to customize their commute based on preferences such as finding bike buddies, setting up carpooling routes, or even just selecting female drivers for added comfort and safety.

Additionally, CVPDC is working to partner with local employers to set up commuter benefits and vanpool programs that connect employees with affordable transportation. The initiative is expected to reduce congestion on some of Central Virginia’s busiest routes, including highways 501 and 460.

“This area is really great because, for the most part, people are traveling along similar routes,” said Hunsberger. “So this area is paired very well for vanpooling.”

More information can be found about the app on the CVCommuter website.