HD7 - Report of the Department of Highways and Transportation on the Virginia Commuter Study

  • Published: 1983
  • Author: Department of Highways and Transportation
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 150 (Regular Session, 1980)

Executive Summary:
In March 1980 the Virginia General Assembly, through the passage of House Joint Resolution Number 150, called for the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation (VDH&T) to "…make a comprehensive study of alternative transportation modes available to commuters working in metropolitan centers while residing in outlying localities." The resolution cited the need to reduce traffic congestion, conserve energy, and consider alternatives to the private auto for suburban commuter travel.

In response to H.J.R. 150 the Virginia Commuter Study was initiated in October 1981. The study has been divided into three major phases:

1. The identification of problems and issues associated with commuting in Virginia (with emphasis upon longer-distance commuting to central cities from outlying suburbs and rural areas) and the development of policy, program, and legislative actions to address these issues.

2. The identification of available modal options (i.e., rapid transit, commuter rail, express bus, carpooling, etc.) for such commuting as drawn from national experience and the development of a planning methodology through which the applicability of these options can be determined for urban areas in Virginia.

3. A detailed analysis of three case study areas – Northern Virginia, Roanoke, and Martinsville – in which the methodology developed in the second phase has been applied to determine the viability of various commuter options in these areas. The case study areas were chosen by VDH&T to provide a cross-section of urban area size and commuting problems in the state.

An important feature of the study has been the definition in Phase I of three future scenarios for commuter transportation in the 1980s and beyond, which reflect the uncertainties that exist with regard to energy availability and the possible decline in financial resources for transportation improvements. Viability of alternative transportation actions in the case study areas (Phase III) and alternative policy and program actions (Phase I) has been considered within the context of the scenarios to define those actions which appear appropriate under any future conditions (and thus, represent high-priority actions for implementation).