TRANSPORTATION
Newcomers to Virginia will find a comprehensive network of transportation amenities, from major interstates and state and federal highways to regional airports and opportunities for mass transit. In addition to convenient fixed-route bus service and commuter express, Ride Solutions provides assistance in locating a shared ride and information on walking and bicycling. Other public programs like “bikes on buses” expand the alternative solutions to private automobile use. Transit systems include programs for the disabled who are not able to take advantage of public transportation facilities.
AIR TRAVEL
Roanoke Regional Airport
5202 Aviation Drive NW
Roanoke 540-362-1999
www.roanokeregionalairport.com
Lynchburg Regional Airport
500 Church Street
Lynchburg 434-455-6090
www.lynchburgva.gov/airport
Commercial Airlines
Allegiant Air
702-505-8888
www.allegiantair.com
Delta Connection
800-221-1212
www.delta.com
Northwest Airlink
800-225-2525
www.nwa.com
United Express
800-241-6522
www.ual.com
US Airways
800-428-4322
www.usair.com
HIGHWAY TRAVEL
Major Regional Highways
Interstate 81 North/South
Interstate 64 East/West (20 miles to the north)
US Route 11 North/South
US Route 460 East/West
US Route 220 North/South
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
VDOT Headquarters
804-786-2801
Lynchburg District
434-947-6559
Salem-Roanoke District
540-387-5320
www.virginiadot.org
VDOT Information Center
804-786-2801
www.virginiadot.org/info
Virginia Traffic Update
Dial 511
www.511virginia.org
Commuter Ride-Share Assistance
540-342-9393
866-424-3334
www.ridesolutions.org
MASS TRANSIT
Regional Transit Options
Greater Lynchburg Transit Company
Information 434-455-5080 434-856-CITY
Bus Service 434-455-5090
Paratransit 434-455-5099
www.gltconline.com
Fixed-route bus service, paratransit service, commuter services, and historic trolleys are part of the full-service approach to public transportation.
Valley Metro
Information 540-982-2222
www.valleymetro.com
Services include fixed-route bus, paratransit, special event shuttles, commuter services, and commuter bus service between Roanoke and New River Valley.
STAR Service by RADAR
Information 540-343-1721
www.radartransit.org
STAR stands for “Specialized Transit-Arranged Rides,” referring to transportation options for those who qualify and are unable to take advantage of regular public transit.
Inter-Intrastate Transit
Amtrak Passenger Rail
Information 800-USA RAIL
www.amtrak.com
Greyhound Bus Lines
Information 800-231-2222
www.greyhound.com
MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION
Drivers License
Within 30 days of establishing state residency, newcomers must obtain a Virginia driver’s license. You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a full-privilege driver’s license, although those who are 15 years of age and older can apply for a Virginia’s learner’s permit. Necessary documentation includes two forms of acceptable identification, social security number, proof of Virginia residency, legal birth certificate if applicable, and your out-of-state drivers license. All applicants must pass a vision test and all first-time applicants must pass a road test. The road and safety exams may be waived for those with a previous license in good standing. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles lists all licensing service centers and DMV select locations (vehicle services) online with location, hours, and current wait times. For details on fees, testing centers, or answers to specific questions, contact:
Department of Motor Vehicles
866-DMVLINE
800-435-5137
www.dmvnow.com
Vehicle Registration & Title
To title a vehicle in Virginia, complete an application and bring statement of origin for new vehicles or the vehicle title. Your name must appear on an out-of-state title as the owner unless the previous owner has assigned the title to you. Also required is your out-of-state registration and proof of your Social Security number. Registration of your vehicle can be completed at any DMV Select service center. DMV will issue two license plates, decals showing the expiration date, and a registration card. Place the decals on the plates and install the plates on the front and rear of your vehicle. Keep the registration card in your vehicle at all times. For details on fees, testing centers, or answers to specific questions, contact:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
866-DMVLINE
800-435-5137
www.dmvnow.com
Virginia Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program
Vehicle safety inspections are required annually in Virginia and are available at more than 4,000 inspection stations across the Commonwealth. New-car dealers and many auto garages participate; look for the white sign with blue lettering that indicates an official inspection station. For additional information on inspections or if you have problems location a station, contact the Roanoke-Salem district office:
Virginia State Police
Roanoke-Salem District
540-387-5437
www.vsp.state.va.us/safety.htm
Mandatory Insurance
Registration of a vehicle includes proof of minimum insurance coverage with a carrier authorized to do business in Virginia, or payment of the uninsured motor vehicle fee (UMV). The UMV fee of $500, paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles, does not provide any insurance but allows you to drive an uninsured vehicle at your own risk. It expires with your registration and must be paid at renewal. For more information, contact:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
866-DMVLINE
800-435-5137
www.dmvnow.com
Virginia Safety Laws
All front-seat occupants of the vehicle who are over 16 years old must wear a safety belt system at all times in a moving vehicle. Children who are five years old or younger must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat. Children between the ages of six and sixteen must be secured in a safety belt system, regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle. These child protection laws are primary and enforceable without any other violation. For more information on auto safety, contact:
Virginia Department of Health
Division of Injury & Violence Protection
Richmond 804-864-7732
www.vahealth.org/civp
QUICKLINKS
American Automobile Association (AAA)
www.aaa.com
Hampton Roads Transit
www.gohrt.com
Online Transportation Information Map
www.virginiadot.org/projects/protim.asp
Online Travel Guide
www.mytravelguide.com
VDOT Online Services
www.dmv.virginia.gov/dmvnet/online.asp
Virginia Airport Information
www.flyvirginia.com
Virginia Department of Emergency Service
www.vdem.state.va.us
Virginia Ferries
www.virginiadot.org/travel/ferry.asp
Virginia Interstate System
www.virginiainterstates.org
Virginia Railway Express
www.vre.org
Virginia RideShare Assistance
www.ridefinders.com
The Weather Channel
www.weather.com