Virginia Breeze Bus resumes service after COVID-19 suspension, 2 new routes added

RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) -- The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) resumed its Virginia Breeze Intercity Bus service on Friday, July 24,

The service, connecting rural areas of Virginia along the I-81 and I-66 corridors to the national bus network, returned following the April 10, temporary suspension of service due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Virginia Breeze Intercity Bus service route between Blacksburg and Washington, D.C., returned on July 24, under the new name Valley Flyer.

Beginning August 7, the Virginia Breeze Bus Lines will offer a total of three routes: the Valley Flyer; the Piedmont Express, which will connect Danville to Washington, D.C., along the U.S. 29 and I-66 corridors; and the Capital Connector, which will connect Martinsville to Richmond along the U.S. 58 and I-85 corridors, and then continue on to Washington, D.C., via I-95.

“It is critical that our transportation system supports the recovery of the Commonwealth’s economy, creating greater access for Virginians,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “As the Commonwealth’s only public intercity bus service, Virginia Breeze – now with three routes – will once again provide essential travel connections for communities across Virginia.”

The Piedmont Express will provide daily roundtrip service with stops in Danville, Altavista, Lynchburg, Amherst, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Warrenton, Gainesville, Dulles Airport, and Union Station.

The Capital Connector reestablishes intercity bus service from Martinsville to Richmond, providing daily trips with stops in Martinsville, Danville, South Boston, Farmville, and Richmond. It will also provide express service from Richmond to Washington, D.C., stopping at Union Station. DRPT anticipates 5,500 riders will take advantage of this route annually.

Tickets for all routes are available on the website starting Monday, July 27.