Entrepreneurial Ventures for Suburban/Intercity Private Transit Operators. Final Project Report

摘要

Federal, state, and local incentives and obstacles for expansion of existing privately-owned transit operations have been investigated. The study has focused on airport shuttle services in Virginia. Parameters considered include ridership, transit operator resources, public and private assistance, legal obstacles and community input. In particular, a case-study for expansion of the Blacksburg Limousine Service, which links the Roanoke Airport to Blacksburg and the Campus of Virginia Tech, was undertaken. The study examined the feasibility of expanding Blacksburg Limousine to serve as a commuter service for employees of Virginia Tech living in the Roanoke/Salem area some 50 miles away. Options for the expansion of operations for Blacksburg Limousine services were enumerated. The most feasible option was examined in terms of its potential ridership, revenue, and cost. In addition, many avenues of funding were investigated. These avenues included federal, state, and employer-based subsidies and incentives.