Williamsburg Sun

WATA to Offer Free Service For Transit Equity Day, Feb. 3

Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) will offer free transit service on Friday, Feb. 3 in observance of Transit Equity Day.

Transit Equity Day is observed annually to promote public transit as a civil right and a strategy to combat climate change. It is also used to commemorate the life and legacy of Rosa Parks for her birthday.

WATA has always been a public transportation system that serves those most in need since its founding in 1977, then as James City County Transit (JCCT). Since then, WATA’s services have become accessible to those who choose to ride. 

WATA provides transit equity in the Greater Williamsburg area through:

1. Accessibility on Buses
   WATA’s fixed route buses have the ability to kneel down, making the first step easier and safer to use. Integrated wheelchair ramps are also available in the entryway to provide disabled passengers with a smooth transition into the bus and a flat floor to their seats.
2. Paratransit Services
   For customers unable to board or ride on our fully accessible fixed-route buses due to their disabilities, WATA provides ADA Complementary Paratransit service. ADA Complementary Paratransit service is an origin-to-destination shared-ride service. Customers must go through an application process to be eligible for paratransit services.
3. Planning Deployment of Zero-Emission Bus
   WATA is working with its partners at the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) in researching Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) and Battery Electric Bus (BEB) technologies to understand how to properly implement these vehicles under regular service conditions. These technologies will also help WATA to reduce air pollution and reduce its carbon footprint. WATA’s intention is to have a mixed fleet of clean diesel and alternative fuel buses in the future.

Original source can be found here