In a community with multiple public transportation options, the regional planning organization offers a way to help people connect with a way to get around without a car.
“The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) operates the Partnership for Accessible Transportation Help (PATH), a mobility management program that helps residents navigate and access transportation options throughout Virginia’s Planning District 10,” reads an information release announcing the receipt of an additional $50,000 for the service.
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation has awarded that amount to the PATH program to help expand a program that provides a guaranteed ride if a public transit option is not available. This is called the Transportation Assistance Fund.
“The fund can help cover transportation costs after other options – including public transit, paratransit, volunteer driver programs, and family support – have been explored and found unavailable or unsuitable,” reads the release.
To be eligible, you have to be over 65 or have a disability and be a resident of one of the TJPDC localities. For more information, visit the fund’s section on the PATH website.
The TJPDC Board of Commissioner will get a briefing on the program Thursday, as well as an update on the Blue Ridge Cigarette Board and a presentation on the Rural Long Range Transportation Plan. The latter provides a lot of information on how people get around the area and might be worth a story.
“The mean travel time to work within the TJPDC region is 28.3 minutes,” reads page 7 of the report. “Charlottesville has the shortest average commute at 17 minutes, reflecting the concentration of employment opportunities within the urban core. Albemarle County residents also experience shorter commutes compared to other jurisdictions (23.5 minutes), also benefiting from proximity to major employment centers.”
The TJPDC Board will also review preparation for the FY28 budget and get a presentation on the Rural Health Transformation Program. The Board authorized participation in the latter in August 2026.
This meeting takes place at the TJPDC headquarters at 407 Water Street in Charlottesville. You can find the meeting materials here.
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