Radford Transit is a public transportation provider in Radford, Virginia and the surrounding New River Valley. Radford Transit is the successor of the Tartan Transit, a shuttle service for students and faculty of Radford University. Efforts to establish a transit service for the general public began in 2009 with a feasibility study that demonstrated the need and economic viability for a public bus system. As a result of this study and through a joint partnership between Radford University, Radford City, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), a new Radford Transit service began serving both student populations and the public in August 2011.
Radford Transit provides fixed-route transit service to a ten square-mile area within the New River Valley region. Radford Transit runs service within the City of Radford and into the neighboring jurisdictions of Pulaski County, Montgomery County, the Town of Blacksburg, and the Town of Christiansburg. Radford Transit operates a total of 12 fixed routes. Deviations are available up to three fourths (¾) of a mile of a stop and must be requested 24 hours in advance.
Radford Transit provides service year-round, but service is reduced during the months when Radford University is not in session. The reduced service, referred to as a “City Service,” occurs from May through August and during Radford University’s winter break.
Goals
- Provide safe, reliable, and effective service that improves Radford’s quality of life
- Cooperate and coordinate with regional partners to increase Radford Transit’s role in regional connectivity
- Foster connections with the Radford community and local stakeholders
- Ensure effective and efficient service through operational adaptation
Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 7,812 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. The University offers 76 bachelor’s degree programs in 47 disciplines and six certificates at the undergraduate level; 28 master’s programs in 23 disciplines and five doctoral programs at the graduate level; and 19 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master’s certificate. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men’s and women’s varsity athletics. With over 200 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,000 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.
