There's a lot of public discussion revolving around volatile gasoline prices and conserving finite resources. Alternative transportation is getting another look --making communities more bike and pedestrian friendly, carpooling, telecommuting and using public transportation (where available).
The Blacksburg Transit (BT) system started as a partnership between the Town of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech for transporting students. It extended into Christiansburg to help students travel to county government offices and shopping at the region's retail hub. Ridership has been increasing for many reasons, and NRV public transportation now includes limited connections with the Roanoke Valley via the Smart Bus. Christiansburg provides some funding for both BT and the Smart Bus, yet has very limited routes, schedules or stops.
Christiansburg residents now have an opportunity to contribute in a big way in how public transportation might be expanded, simply by completing a survey being sent to all town residents this month.
Due to U.S. Census numbers, a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) was required for the NRV with BT service being the most likely link to future federal funding (which looks for continuing, cooperating and comprehensive partnerships).
Christiansburg provides attractive living choices for many reasons. Alternative transportation for shoppers, errands, youth and commuters may be broadened due to responses to this survey. What if there were options other than just getting into personal autos and heading out to individual destinations? How many more teenagers could work part-time jobs or participate in extra-curricular programs if they had transportation? What if you have an aging parent who needs to give up their driver's license?
If being unfamiliar with an area or concern about parking has been a constraint, think about how pleasant it may be to just hop on a bus and go for a day of local sightseeing, shopping or dining in either or both of the 'burgs. Hopefully, Radford will be looped into this expanded bus service soon, as well. And if efforts similar to what has been done in Blacksburg and Radford are made in Christiansburg, we may see not only an extended greenway and trail system in Christiansburg -- but a significant trail system linking all three major communities in Montgomery County as a realistic possibility (where planning began nearly 20 years ago).
If you live in Christiansburg, and as outlined at Christiansburg Town Council's Oct. 7 meeting, all town residences should receive a bus survey by the end of the month. Once in hand, please take the few minutes necessary to complete it. Even if you've never wanted or needed to use public transportation before, town residents should consider the possible "what if...." choices expanded bus service in and around Christiansburg could provide. Watch for the survey in your mailbox or complete another NRV MPO survey here. In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed on the Friends of the Huckleberry and Montgomery County's reapplication for bridging Peppers Ferry funding which would move extending Christiansburg's trail system forward, and supports area bike groups.
NOTE: Our survey was received on 10/29/2008, stating "the information you provide will be held in strictest confidence. All responses will be kept anonymous"....however; the surveys are numbered and correspond to mailing labels. Since this survey is actually being conducted and paid for by the MPO with responses directed to Virginia Tech's Center for Survey Research, respondents should trust assurances made in the Mayor and Town Manager's cover letter are in fact applied.