Petersburg Area Transit (PAT) just recently announced a new daily route to the Amazon warehouse in Dinwiddie County. The new route will provide transportation to access job opportunities within the Greater Richmond area.
In October 2014, PAT began to implement a three-year strategic plan to provide the community with access to jobs, healthcare and education. One of the main goals of PAT’s strategic plan is to provide access to job locations not previously served.
“The expanded transit service is based on strategic initiatives, where it focuses on customers getting where they need to go, such as school medical care, shopping, and work.” says William E. Johnson III, City Manager. PAT is also actively working with Chesterfield County to provide transportation to the Meadowville Amazon warehouse.
“All too often jobs are not accessible without a car. As the only designated public transportation provider for this region, it is our responsibility to address this gap.” says Dironna Moore Belton, general manager of PAT.
Financial assistance for these initiatives has come from the City of Petersburg, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and many other federal partners. These funds allowed PAT to hire a trip planner and mobility coordinator to help passengers plan trips and see how their trips can change with where they are located as well as if they add multiple destinations. PAT is currently also seeking funds for the Emporia and Waverly Intercity routes.
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Also, PAT recently launched a massive outreach communication program, which includes radio and television advertising and approximately 22 thousand pieces of collateral materials designed to create awareness amongst the communities PAT serves. PAT has been receiving positive feedback from the community as we continue to see how these types of strategic approaches may better serve Petersburg and other regions that need transit service.
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