HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 8, 2026 Minutes GREATER ROANOKE TRANSIT COMPANY
June 8, 2026
A special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Greater Roanoke Transit
Company was called to order by Vice-President Vivian Sanchez-Jones on Monday, June
8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., at thell Valley Metro, Third Street Station, Customer Service Center,
307 Salem Avenue, S.W., !Roanoke, Virginia 24016, pursuant to written notification by
the Secretary of the Corporation.
PRESENT: Directors Matthew Crookshank, Dwayne D'Ardenne, Richard Peters,
Jr, Maxwell Dillon, Vivian Sanchez-Jones and -5.
ABSENT: President Joseph L. Cobb and Director Karen Michalski-Karney. -2.
Also present were Valmarie Turner, Vice-President of Operations; Laura Carini,
General Counsel; Cecelia F. McCoy, Secretary; Kevin L. Price, General Manager, Valley
Metro; and Ronnie Parker, Assistant General Manager, Valley Metro; Corey Alshouse,
Interim Director of Finance, Valley Metro.
Vice-President Sanchez-Jones declared the existence of a quorum; and stated the
purpose of the Special Meeting will be to convene in a Public Hearing to discuss and/or
consider a revised passenger fare schedule for GRTC, proposed to be effective January
1, 2027, which includes fare increases and adjustments to certain fare pass programs, in
order to offset increased p b rchased transportation, labor and related benefits, and other
costs for GRTC. This hearing will also include an opportunity for the public to provide
feedback on prospective changes to the Star Line Trolley program, which are currently
under review.
The Board of Directors of Greater Roanoke Transit Company ("GRTC"), d/b/a
Valley Metro, proposes to adopt a revised passenger fare schedule for GRTC, proposed
to be effective January 1, 2027, which includes fare increases and adjustments to certain
fare pass programs, in order to offset increased purchased transportation, labor and
related benefits, and other costs for GRTC. The Proposed Fare Schedule is summarized
as follows:
Type of Fare Current Fare Proposed Fare
Schedule Schedule (effective
January 1, 2027)
Adult Fare $1.75 $2.00
Discount Fair $0.85 $1.00
VWCC (Free/ID) $1.75 $2.00
RCPS Students $0.85 $1.00
Star Line Trolley Free $1.00
Tickets
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1 Ride Basic $1.75 $2.00
1 Ride Discount/ Students $0.85 $1.00
Passes
24 Hr. — Basic $3.50 $4.00
24 Hr. — Discount $1.70 $2.00
15 Ride — Basic $20.00 $24.00
15 Ride — Discount $10.00 $12.50
7 Day— Basic $16.00 $18.00
7 Day— Discount $8.00 $9.00
31 Day— Basic $56.00 $60.00 •
31 Day— Discount $28.00 $30.00
Star— Single Ride $3.50 $4.00
Star— Monthly Unlimited $112.00 $128.00
The hearing will also include an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on
prospective changes to the Star Line Trolley program, which are currently under review.
Pursuant to the requirements mandated by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA),
notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Greater Roanoke Transit
Company will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on the above matter at a
special meeting to be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, commencing at 7:00 p.m., the matter
was before the body.
Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in Cardinal News, on May
22, 2026, and May 29, 2026. A legal advertisement was also published in The Roanoke
Tribune on May 28, 2026.
(See publisher's affidavits on file in the Secretary's Office.)
Vice-President Sanchez-Jones opened the public hearing, and the following
citizens made recommendations and remarks:
The following citizens gave comments:
1. Mark Kary, expressed concern regarding ADA accessibility; suggested the
Star Line Trolley be used for ADA passengers or provide free rides for
disabled patrons on Valley Metro buses.
2. Sharon Fritz f Suggested the Star Line Trolley run on Saturdays.
3. Barbara Duerk — Healthy Communities connections to localities such as
Rocky Mount, New Castle, Lexington, Botetourt. Car Free Society. Star
City Trolley connections Amtrak to bus. Add bus service signage. Add bike
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racks at Third Street Station. Name the station lobby in recognition of
Margie Jumper.
4. Alison Kaczmarkski — Spoke on behalf of disabled daughter.
5. Kathryn Kaczfnarkski — Requested support for the disabled citizens
6. Jeanne Duddy — Trolley times are not always regular, schedule on
McClanahan are too far apart, transportation by Radar is difficult for citizens
who have doctors' appointments. Asked that management contact LOA
transportation staff member(Jack at 540-345-0451 ext. 3037)
7. Dr. Monique J. Bishop — If the fares are going to increase, is there a
possibility to extend service: For example, have peak buses on certain
routes, especially those routes that are overcrowded.
8. Kate Wooley F What improvements will the new fare structure fund? Will it
address the operator.
9. Ginny Pannatiecker— Member of BRRAG, stated the fare increase is fine,
and in fact what we hope to see with increased fares is: better wages and
benefits for drivers to end the driver shortage; improve accessibility to bus
stops and bus stop conditions; an easily accessible stop with a shelter, light,
trash can, and benches; increase stop on weekends and for longer hours
each day; expand bus routes to more places like Peters Creek Road area;
add new payment options where you can tap a card or phone in addition to
cash options; free passes and discount fares for those with low income.
She stated she recently lived in the UK for four months and while it was a
little more expensive, buses ran until 11 p.m. or later and went between
towns and even to hiking areas, and all stops had shelter, benches, light
and trash cans.
10.Sylvia King — Offered special thanks to Vice-President Sanchez-Jones for
spearheading benches at the Amtrak Station. She suggested the trolley
program exteifid routes on Williamson Road, Orange Avenue, to downtown.
Need additional inter-city connection to Electric Road at Tanglewood;
discount for Medicare Card.
11.Unknown Citizen — I echo what everybody has said and wanted to add that
extended/expanded service to Hollins University, Peters Creek Road would
increase access for so many.
There was no further business to come before the Board, Vice-President Sanchez-
Jones declared the special meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
APP OVED: ATTEST:
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0-eAde.i\VI ad,6-7,,
Vivian Sanc ez-Jones Cecelia F. McCoy
Vice-Presi*0 nt Secretary
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