TCAgenda2024August261.Adoption of Agenda
2.Welcome and Introductions
3.Western Frederick Land Use Plan
3.A.Western Frederick Land Use Plan
4.Revenue Sharing and Transportation Alternatives Projects, Recent Awards
4.A.Revenue Sharing and Transportation Alternatives Project, Recent Awards
5.MPO Transit Feasibility Study
5.A.MPO Transit Feasibility Study
6.County Project Updates
6.A.County Project Updates
7.Other
7.A.Other
AGENDA
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2024
8:30 AM
FIRST-FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM
FREDERICK COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
TC08-26-24WesternFrederickLandUsePlan.pdf
TC08-26-24RevenueSharing_TransportationAltProjects_RecentAwards.pdf
TC08-26-24MPOTransitFeasibilityStudy.pdf
TC08-26-24CountyProjectUpdates.pdf
TC08-26-24Other.pdf
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Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: August 26, 2024
Agenda Section: Western Frederick Land Use Plan
Title: Western Frederick Land Use Plan
Attachments:
TC08-26-24WesternFrederickLandUsePlan.pdf
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COUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
540/ 665-5651
Fax: 540/ 665-6395
MEMORANDUM
TO: Frederick County Transportation Committee
FROM: Frederick County Planning & Development
SUBJECT: Western Frederick Land Use Plan (WFLUP) – Project Update
DATE: August 20, 2024
Project Background
The Western Frederick study area of the County provides a planned transition from the urban and suburban
nature of the City of Winchester and the rural areas west of Route 37.
The study (planning) area encompasses approximately +/-6,229-acres of the County generally west of the
City of Winchester, including areas east and west of Route 37, north and south of Route 522 (North
Frederick Pike), north and south of Route 50 (Northwestern Turnpike), and north from Cedar Creek Grade
(Route 622). The western most sections of the study area extend along Route 50 to Poorhouse Road (Route
654) and just east of Wardensville Grade (Route 608). Properties included in the study area are also within
the Stonewall, Gainesboro, and Back Creek Magisterial Districts. The Western Frederick Land Use Plan
incorporates three previously studied planning areas: Round Hill Community (last updated 2010), Western
Jubal Early (2006), Route 37 West (1997) and includes the area between the City of Winchester and Route
37 and north/south of Route 522 known as “Sunnyside” (area not previously studied).
The study is currently in Phase III – plan formation and community meetings.
Summary of Proposed Changes
Draft plan text and maps have been included for context. Key map and text changes include:
Sunnyside
A change in land use designation from “residential” and “business” to “urban center.” Inclusion of text with
guiding policies for future urban center development.
Albin (formerly Route 37 West)
Further define boundaries of Albin Rural Community Center. Designation of significant areas of
“recreation” land use with plan policies to support land use designation.
Round Hill
Expansion of sewer and water service area (SWSA) to conform to boundaries of Round Hill Rural
Community Center. Expanded plan policies for future development within designated rural community
center. Removal of Rock Harbor Golf Course “commercial recreation” land use designation and redesignate
property as “business.”
Western Jubal Early
A change in land use designation from primarily “residential” with limited areas of “business” to “planned
unit development (PUD).” Inclusion of text with guiding policies for future PUD.
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WFLUP – Project Update
Page 2
Conclusion
Currently, Planning and Development staff are seeking feedback from the Transportation Committee on
the proposed text and map changes. Following stakeholder and public engagement, the draft plan will go
to the County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors for further discussion.
Questions regarding the area plan update may be directed to staff.
MTK/ks
Attachments: 1. Western Frederick Land Use Plan – Draft Text
2. Draft Maps
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WESTERN FREDERICK LAND USE PLAN
WFLUP
Draft Revised 05-09-2024
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Adopted XX-XX-XXXX
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WESTERN FREDERICK LAND USE PLAN (WFLUP)
The study area encompasses approximately 6,229-acres of the County generally west of the
City of Winchester, including areas inside and out of Route 37, north and south of Route 522
(North Frederick Pike), north and south of Route 50 (Northwestern Turnpike), and north from
Cedar Creek Grade (Route 622). The western most sections extend along Route 50 to
Poorhouse Road (Route 654) and immediately east of Wardensville Grade (Route 608).
This new Western Frederick Land Use Plan (WFLUP) incorporates three previously studied
planning areas: Round Hill Community (adopted 2010), Western Jubal Early (2006), Route
37 West (1997; now referred to herein as “Albin”) and includes the area between the City of
Winchester and Route 37 and north/south of Route 522 known as “Sunnyside” (not previously
studied). Each of the above planning areas is detailed separately in the subsections below.
The Western Frederick study area of the County provides a planned transition from the urban
and suburban nature of the City of Winchester and eastern Frederick County and the rural
areas west of Route 37. The Western Frederick Land Use Plan builds upon existing community
assets and identifies opportunities to integrate land use and transportation, address
infrastructure and housing needs, and expand the County’s goals for economic development.
The intent of the plan is to preserve rural lands, natural and historic resources, and views
west of Route 37, and concentrate new growth, particularly new residential growth, and higher
density development in areas within the limits of the Urban Development Area (UDA) and
served by public utilities (within limits of Sewer and Water Service Area or SWSA) and
services. New planning policies, and plan implementation strategies have been included to
achieve the above intent.
A series of maps have also been prepared which identify future land uses, transportation,
historical resources, natural resources, and community facilities within the study area.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS & FUTURE LAND USE
Sunnyside Planning Area
This northernmost planning area is bounded by the City of Winchester to the east and Route
37 to the west. Sunnyside contains a mix of existing business and residential uses. The
housing stock is primarily older (pre-2000), single-family detached (SFD) homes on small lots
served by public utilities (both Frederick Water and the City of Winchester). Duplexes,
apartments and townhomes are also mixed in but are not the predominate housing type.
Residential neighborhoods are siloed and not well integrated or connected. Age-restricted
housing exists in the County and straddles the City of Winchester limits (Shenandoah Valley
Westminster-Canterbury, SVWC). This community has its own diverse set of needs. The
commercial core, situated north and south along Route 522 (North Frederick Pike), includes
a shopping center (Stonewall Plaza) with a grocery store anchor, other small convenience and
retail uses, gas stations, restaurants with drive-thru facilities, and a hotel. Frederick County
Government also owns a 70,614 square foot (SF) former shopping center (known as
“Sunnyside Plaza”) on the south side of Route 522 and east of Fox Drive (Route 767). The
shopping center is mostly vacant with few tenants remaining under existing lease agreements.
An office park adjoining Route 37 serves as an employment hub for financial, legal, and
medical offices. The Route 522 corridor serves as an entryway to the City of Winchester from
areas to the north and west.
Sunnyside is envisioned to be an “urban center” of well-planned residential and commercial
(business) development and redevelopment. This area of the County should be a
walkable/bikeable, semi-urban area with a vibrant commercial core along Route 522, higher
residential densities and include community focal point. The urban center should also be well-
integrated with the surrounding community through a grid-like road network that allows for
secondary circulation away from Route 522. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities provided along
Route 522 should mimic the development pattern of the City of Winchester. New development
or redevelopment should be linked to existing neighborhoods (such as Star Fort and
Darlington subdivisions) and retail centers by sidewalks and trails. Development directly
fronting Route 522 should be of a high-quality design and building materials and of an
appropriate scale, creating a seamless transition to the City of Winchester. New multi-story
buildings, including mixed-use structures, should front the roadway with parking located in
the rear. Parking lots should not be the predominate view from Route 522. New housing types
should be prioritized to address a variety of income types (especially low income, affordable
and workforce housing) and needs (apartments, duplex, triplex, and townhomes) of the
community. Given the planning areas inclusion in the Urban Development Area (UDA) and
Sewer and Water Service Area (SWSA) and proximity to the City’s newly designated design
district, Sunnyside should be viewed as a prime location for new higher density residential
development, including mixed-use residential development over commercial spaces and
redevelopment through consolidation of small lots.
Frederick County Government is working to identify what county services and other support
services may utilize former Sunnyside Plaza. At the time of plan writing (2024), a space needs
assessment has been conducted, and County staff will evaluate reuse of the vacant shopping
center structures or complete redevelopment of the site. The County’s Voting Registrar has
already relocated to Sunnyside Plaza. Redevelopment of the shopping center may spur other
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commercial redevelopment and/or additional residential units in the vicinity and serve as a
focal point and community hub of the Sunnyside urban center.
Plan Implementation Strategy
To implement this new urban center designation, Frederick County may consider a
comprehensive “upzoning” process to properties along Route 522 using the TNDB
(Traditional Neighborhood Design-Business) Overlay District. Rezoning property
with the TNDB Overlay District may require a phased approach. Revisions to the RP
(Residential Performance) Zoning District may also be required to expand the
available housing types and residential densities to achieve desired land use
policies. New ordinance standards to address the challenges of small lot
assemblage, including revisions to the TNDB Overlay District as necessary, and infill
may also be further studied.
Albin (formerly Route 37 West) Planning Area
This area is bounded by Route 522 to the north, Route 37 to the east, the Round Hill planning
area to the south, and a definitive ridge line (Round Hill, elevation 1,381 feet) and Poorhouse
Road (Route 654) to the west. The predominant land use is agricultural, open space and a
core area of the Second Battle of Winchester. At the northernmost point of the planning area
is the Albin Rural Community Center, a historic hinterlands crossroads community; James
Wood High School (JWHS) and Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School (APES) serve as another
community focal point.
Properties, including those within the newly defined limits of Albin Rural Community Center,
should remain in their current rural condition, continuing the present land use of agriculture
and orchards while preserving the historic integrity of the battlefield, as well as historic
properties identified in the Frederick County Rural Landmarks Survey. A significant portion of
the planning area has been designated with the “recreation” land use, this includes properties
identified as core battlefield and the former Frederick County Poorhouse property. Where
public-private partnership opportunities exist for use of historic and rural properties, walking
and interpretive recreation amenities may serve not only the residents of western Frederick
County but the larger County population and visitors as well. Expansion of the SWSA west of
Route 37 should not be a priority, as development of this area of the County should be
prohibited to maintain existing views, natural systems, historic properties, open space,
forestal land and viable agricultural lands.
Round Hill Planning Area
The Round Hill Planning Area has three (3) distinct areas, the long-established Round Hill
Rural Community Center clustered along Round Hill Road (Route 803), the established
commercial area fronting Route 50 (Northwestern Pike) and the Route 37 interchange, and
properties south of Route 50 which includes a livestock exchange, an existing extractive
mining (quarry) operation (Stuart M. Perry, Inc.), a 36-hole golf course (Rock Harbor Golf
Course), and a rural residential (estate) subdivision (Roscommon).
The core of the long-established Round Hill Rural Community Center consists primarily of
residences. Most residential lots in the Round Hill Rural Community Center are less than one-
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half acre. These residential lots contain single-family detached housing on wells and septic
systems with reduced front yard setbacks that do not conform to modern Zoning Ordinance
standards. Several small businesses such gas stations and other convenience type uses also
exist, but struggle to compete with new commercial areas to the east. The development
pattern established in the Round Hill Rural Community Center consists of both small lots along
Round Hill Road, Poorhouse Road, Woodchuck Lane (Route 654) and other roads, and the
larger lots and small farms on the periphery.
The Round Hill Rural Community Center has been included within the limits of the Sewer and
Water Service Area (SWSA). Inclusion in the SWSA is intended to allow for those small
residential lots to connect to public utilities, at such time private systems are no longer a
viable option. Future residential and commercial development within the rural community
center, outside of those areas not already identified with a “business” land use designation,
should be limited in scale and intensity to maintain the historic fabric and rural nature of this
area of the County.
Plan Implementation Strategy
The creation of a new overlay district should be further evaluated to accommodate
infill development within the designated rural community center that is appropriate
for the character, scale, and massing of the Round Hill community. Such a district
may address desired housing types, lot sizes, setbacks and allowed uses. Allowed
commercial uses permitted within this new zoning district should be of a
neighborhood-scale limited to general retail, restaurants (without drive-thru
facilities), personal services and other uses complementary to semi-rural
residences. The new zoning district should also address design standards that
create a more livable place (street trees, curb-side parking, discreet signage, site
lighting and underground utilities, etc.).
Historically, highway commercial uses have located along Route 50 (Northwestern Pike).
These uses include gas stations, restaurants, and small retail establishments. In more recent
years, Round Hill Crossing (including the large Wal-Mart center) has developed on the north
side of Route 50 and serves as a commercial hub along the corridor. Future planned
commercial areas were also approved with The Village at Orchard Ridge (TVOR) development.
The objective of this plan is to create an attractive, functional commercial area with limited
access to Route 50. Consolidated entrances are strongly encouraged to avoid impeding traffic
flows along Route 50 and maintain entrance spacing requirements. A planned secondary
roadway system will also link the future commercial uses at the TVOR with the Round Hill
Crossing shopping center. The new development in the identified “business” areas along Route
50 should also include pedestrian accommodations, including sidewalks and/or trails, where
appropriate and be interconnected through a well-planned road and trail network to TVOR.
The quarry property, south of Route 50 and Round Hill Road, is planned to remain “extractive
mining.” While the quarry itself may not expand beyond the current boundary, upgrades to
the facility and equipment should be expected in the future to maintain operations. Rock
Harbor Golf Course (previously studied for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, adopted 2010,
and now identified with a future “business” land use designation) is envisioned as commercial
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area and have a balance of land uses that promote the recreational component as the primary
land use and enhances the economic development opportunities of the area. Compatible
commercial ventures such as conference/event facilities, lodging opportunities (hotel),
restaurants, and limited accessory retail may also be appropriate. High quality building
designs and materials are expected within the identified mixed-use area, low impact design
for stormwater management along with substantial areas of open space that provide a
transition to the rural areas to the west of the planning area and mitigate potential negative
impacts of new commercial development. Future expansion of activity to the Rock Harbor Golf
Course should also be mindful of the rural residential (estate) subdivision to the south, and
include enhanced buffers, screening and open space are maintained along common
boundaries to mitigate impacts to existing residences and traffic along Merrimans Lane (Route
621).
Western Jubal Early Planning Area
The land included within the Western Jubal Early planning area represents transitional area
between the urban and suburban density in the City of Winchester and the rural areas of
western Frederick County. A dominant feature of the planning area is the Abrams Creek
wetland (watershed).
The Western Jubal Early planning area is envisioned as “planned unit development” (PUD)
with a defined well-planned cluster of new urbanism and suburban style residential
development and limited neighborhood-scale commercial development at major intersections
(outlined below). A PUD designation provides flexibility to future development of these areas
and elevates the land to the highest use given the area’s inclusion within the urban
development area (UDA) and sewer and water service area (SWSA). The PUD designation is
intended to continue the established land use pattern in the vicinity of the planning area,
including a mix of residential housing types and densities like those in the City of Winchester
and the City’s new design districts along Cedar Creek Grade and Route 11.
The Western Jubal Early area is one of the last large property assemblages without entitlement
(approved rezoning) available for development within the Urban Development Area. The
development of these properties should be done comprehensively, and be well-integrated
with the City of Winchester, of a high-quality architectural design, and maximize the potential
residential density available. Careful consideration should be given to building height,
massing, fenestration, setbacks, and lot coverage to harmonize with existing development
east of the future PUD but also achieve desired densities and housing types.
The PUD will be linked by an efficient road system including an extended north/south
connector from Merrimans Lane and intersecting with Cedar Creek Grade and new east/west
extension of Jubal Early Drive from the City of Winchester to Route 37. Multi-purpose trails
and sidewalks should accompany all roadways and provide an efficient network for
pedestrians and bicyclists. Sensitive natural areas (Abrams Creek wetland watershed) should
be preserved by significant buffers and serve as a recreation amenity for residents with trail
connectivity around the wetlands and to the Green Circle Trail in the City of Winchester.
Development that encroaches on Abrams Creek, limits or does not provide access to the
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sensitive natural area or reduces the ability of the wetlands to continue to function as a vital
“ecosystem” should be discouraged.
The commercial component is envisioned to consist of neighborhood-scale commercial uses
along Cedar Creek Grade at the interchange with Route 37 and the intersection of Merriman’s
Lane and West Jubal Early Drive extended. Priority should be given to neighborhood scale
commercial uses (retail and personal services) with high-quality architecture and attractive
site design as these will serve the needs of residents and create focal points for the new
community. High-quality building materials such as brick, stone, glass and wood should be
the predominant feature for new commercial building facades, along with attractive
landscaping and site design. Big box retail, self-storage, and other non-neighborhood scale
uses are strongly discouraged. Consolidated (shared) entrances will be encouraged to avoid
multiple entrances along Jubal Early Drive, Cedar Creek Grade, and the new collector road.
Plan Implementation Step
When considering rezoning applications in the Western Jubal Early planning area,
elevations, design proposals, and patterns books should be provided by potential
applicants/developers and reviewed by staff to ensure high-quality architecture,
attractive site design, and high-quality building materials element of plan policies
are fulfilled. Collaboration between property owners in the development process is
crucial to implementing the plan.
TRANSPORTATION
Sunnyside Planning Area
The County’s Eastern Road Plan (a Comprehensive Plan element) identifies Route 522
(Northwestern Pike) through the Sunnyside planning area to be an improved four-lane divided
minor arterial roadway from the limits of the City of Winchester west through the interchange
with Route 37 and out to Indian Hollow Road (Route 679). Redevelopment of small lot
commercial along the corridor should incorporate consolidated entrances to reduce the
number of entrances to and from Route 522. The south side of Route 522 should include a
new minimum 10-foot (FT) wide multiuse trail, and the north side of Route 522 should include
new 5-FT wide sidewalks. Some segments of this pedestrian network already exist.
Crosswalks across Route 522 should be prioritized to provide appropriate accommodation to
all users, including the elderly and those with physical disabilities. A pedestrian connection
should also be made along Route 522, north to Apple Pie Ridge Road and connect James Wood
High School (JWHS) with the Sunnyside planning area. Thoughtful consideration should be
given to this pedestrian amenity to ensure pedestrian, student, and vehicle safety and avoid
impeding the signalized intersection of Route 522 and Apple Pie Ridge Road. Given the
income, demographics, residential density, and the destination and convenience retail nature
of the commercial core along Route 522, bicycle and pedestrian connectivity is critical for all
new development and redevelopment.
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Plan Implementation Strategy
Frederick County may consider Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding
through the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to accelerate sidewalk
and trail infrastructure in the Sunnyside planning area and provide much needed
connectivity to existing users along the Route 522 corridor.
Albin (formerly Route 37 West) Planning Area
Improvements may need to be made to the intersection of Apple Pie Ridge Road and Route
522 to enhance safety and traffic flows for residents and school traffic. Limited commercial
entrances along Route 522 heading north should also be prioritized to maintain flow of traffic
consistent with the transportation chapter of the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
Round Hill Planning Area
The Eastern Road Plan designates Route 50 to be improved to a six-lane divided minor arterial
road between Route 37 and Poorhouse Road (Route 654). West of Poorhouse Road, Route
50 is planned as a four-lane divided minor arterial roadway. Sidewalks are planned on the
south side of Route 50 and multi-purpose trails on the north side. Developments along Route
50 will be expected to incorporate these road and pedestrian improvements.
An east/west collector road, north of and parallel to Route 50 is also included in the Eastern
Road Plan. A section of this road, Petticoat Gap Lane, will be built with subsequent phases of
the Round Hill Crossing development. Ultimately this roadway will connect from Botanical
Boulevard, the Round Hill Crossing Shopping center to National Lutheran Boulevard to the
west. This road is envisioned as an urban roadway that includes landscaped medians,
controlled left turns, street trees, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities, to enhance
transportation on the north side of Route 50. Future development proposals will need to
accommodate the continuation of this collector road to ensure completion.
A Route 37 Jubal Early interchange improvement is also proposed providing access to the
Rock Harbor Golf Course, rural residences, and to the east to the Western Jubal Early planning
area and future planned unit development (PUD). This project was previously proffered as
part of the Willow Run rezoning; however, following the downzoning to those parcels in 2021
is no longer proffered but the planned improvement remains on the Eastern Road Plan.
As noted in the Comprehensive Plan, as all road projects and development or redevelopment
take place, the development and associated transportation facilities should be accessible to
all users (including bicyclists and pedestrians). In addition to sidewalks and trails along major
roadways, a new multi-purpose trail system is planned through the Round Hill Community to
serve the area and provide access and connectivity with the West Jubal Early Community and
ultimately to the City of Winchester’s Green Circle Trail. The location of the proposed trail
shown on the plan is general, with the precise location of the trail connection still undecided.
The development of new road systems, new signalization and improvements to existing road
systems are all elements of this plan. It will be the responsibility of private property owners
and developers to ensure that these improvements are made.
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Western Jubal Early Planning Area
The Eastern Road Plan of the Comprehensive Plan calls for the extension of Jubal Early Drive
to the west through the planning area to Route 37, a new north/south connector, and a new
interchange at Route 37 and future Jubal Early Drive extended. To-date, extensive design
work has taken place on the interchange and roadway extensions and the extension of Jubal
Early Drive and the interchange at Route 37 are critical to providing connectivity within the
planning area and to the west toward the Round Hill community. The extension of Jubal Early
Drive is envisioned as a divided four-lane roadway that includes landscaped medians and
pedestrian and bicycle facilities. A new major north/south collector road is planned to facilitate
traffic movement between Jubal Early Drive extended and Cedar Creek Grade. This boulevard
style road is envisioned as an urban divided four-lane roadway that includes landscaped
medians as well as pedestrian and bicycle facilities. A roundabout is proposed to connect the
new north/south collector roadway to Cedar Creek Grade to facilitate the efficient movement
of traffic in this area of the County.
Plan Implementation Strategy
Coordination with the City of Winchester and the Virginia Department of
Transportation is critically important to ensure expanded north/south and
east/west connections through the planning area to serve new mixed-use planned
unit development (PUD). Additional study, including updating regional
transportation modeling, will be required prior to any implementation of the
planned unit development policies.
Cedar Creek Grade is planned to be widened to a four-lane collector roadway from the City of
Winchester west to Route 37, with signalized ramps planned at the intersection of Cedar Creek
Grade and Route 37. The Comprehensive Plan also identifies Cedar Creek Grade as a short-
term destination route for cyclists. Therefore, this plan incorporates improvements to Cedar
Creek Grade, to a four-lane divided major collector road with a bicycle lane or ideally a
separate bike path, and improvements to the interchange at Route 37 and Cedar Creek Grade.
WATER AND SEWER
Sunnyside Planning Area
The Sunnyside planning area is within the Sewer and Water Service Area (SWSA) and new
development and redevelopment may be served by public utilities owned and operated by
Frederick Water. Existing developments may continue to be served by the City of
Winchester, where currently connected. However, limited water and sewer capacity from
Frederick Water can be expected due to topography challenges in extending public utilities.
Frederick Water policy states that new development is responsible for paying for the cost of
utility extension and upgrades to existing facilities. Those physical impediments, costs for
new or expanded service, and the current Frederick Water policies may hinder development
and redevelopment, especially for new residential, in the short term.
Albin (formerly Route 37 West) Planning Area
The Albin planning area is primarily outside of the limits of the SWSA (JWHS and APES are
within the SWSA). Rural community center (RCC) policies elsewhere in the plan envision
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community water and sewer systems to support RCC properties where failing private
systems may no longer be viable. Expansion of the SWSA along Route 522 to include the
Albin Rural Community Center is not envisioned at this time. Caution should be taken to any
future discussions about SWSA expansion west of Route 37, including to support additional
commercial opportunities along Route 522, and if extension of the SWSA furthers policies
outlined elsewhere in the WFLUP.
Round Hill Planning Area
The Sewer and Water Service Area (SWSA) extends west from Route 37 and encompasses
the planned business parcels in the planning area, including Round Hill Crossing, planned
areas south of Route 50 and Rock Harbor Golf Course. The area immediately west of Route
37, including Winchester Medical Center – West Campus and Round Hill Crossing are currently
served by the Opequon Water Reclamation Facility. The transmission lines serving this facility
have limited capacity. Therefore, future development south of Route 50 and also west of
Round Hill Crossing are planned to be served by the Parkins Mill Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Future development proposals will need to demonstrate that sufficient sewer capacity exists.
Water lines exist along Route 50 and through Round Hill Crossing and the Winchester Medical
Center – West Campus and along Route 37. These water lines have sufficient capacity to
provide the volume of water to serve planned land uses identified in the plan; however, they
do not have sufficient pressure. To provide adequate pressure, existing line pressure will
have to be boosted and water storage provided. Expansion of the SWSA, specifically sewer
service, as envisioned to include the Round Hill Rural Community Center, will require
significant additional improvements. Costs for those improvements are borne by the end
users. The SWSA boundary expansion is included to expand current Comprehensive Plan
policy for the rural community centers and is a very long-term element of the area plan study.
Western Jubal Early Planning Area
The Western Jubal Early planning area is within the limits of the Sewer and Water Service
Area (SWSA) and Urban Development Area (UDA) and is envisioned to be developed primarily
for residential uses through a new planned unit development (PUD). The developer of Willow
Run will make improvements necessary to serve their 300-unit residential development,
including upgrades to the pump station north of Cedar Creek Grade. However, any additional
residential development will require substantial upgrades to the sewer network to provide
adequate service. Improvements to the network will be completed by the developer, and in
the short term may be a barrier to any additional residential and commercial development
beyond what is already approved (Willow Run).
NATURAL RESOURCES, HISTORIC RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Sunnyside Planning Area
Star Fort is one of the last remaining earthen defensive forts surrounding the City of
Winchester, located north of the intersection of Route 522 and Fortress Drive. During the Civil
War, Star Fort played a major role in the defense of Winchester and today visitors can still
see the remains of star-shaped earthworks, magazine pits, and artillery platforms. Several
interpretive markers explain the significance of the fort and the role it played during the
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Second and Third Battle of Winchester. The Star Fort site is owned and preserved by the
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF).
Development of vacant parcels and redevelopment of existing lots within the planned urban
center, should be carefully evaluated to assess new demand to public and community
facilities, including schools, fire and rescue services and parks for residents of the
developments and which may benefit the broader community.
Albin (formerly Route 37 West) Planning Area
Areas to the north and west should remain in their present, rural condition, continuing the
present land use of agriculture while preserving the historic integrity of the battlefield, as well
as historic properties identified in the Frederick County Rural Landmarks Survey. Rural
properties (privately owned) within the core battlefield may be conserved in partnership with
the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF) and may be used as recreational areas
for the community. Individual property owners should pursue these partnerships with SVBF
and Frederick County Parks and Recreation. One significant historic resource in this planning
area is the Frederick County Poor Farm Complex, erected in 1820 and closed in 1947. The
Frederick County Poor Farm property is now in private ownership, with the buildings currently
being used for storage. In 1993, the complex was added to the National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP Reference Number 93000823). The property may serve as a historic site
accessible for public use in the future in coordination with other recreation amenities.
James Wood High School (JWHS) and Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School (APRES) continues
to serve as community focal points. JWHS is receiving substantial internal and external
renovations, anticipated to be completed in mid-2024, allowing the facility to continue to
serve the Frederick County community.
Round Hill Planning Area
The area is dominated by two major natural features – Round Hill itself, which is west of
Poorhouse Road (Route 654) and a north/south ridgeline. The ridgeline, west of the Round
Hill Crossing shopping center, is highly visible and should be sensitively developed. This
topographic feature, which also has connections to Civil War history, could potentially be a
future recreation opportunity serving the Round Hill community (the previous community park
facility was closed when the fire company relocated to The Village at Orchard Ridge). Ponds,
streams and floodplains are present and will need to be taken into consideration so as to
minimize and/or mitigate negative impacts with any future development. These natural areas
provide an obvious location for a trail system.
Round Hill (rural community center) is one of the older settlements in Frederick County. The
original village was located at the base of Round Hill. The community today includes a small
number of eighteenth and nineteenth century dwellings. Approximately 30 late-nineteenth
century and early-to-mid twentieth century houses, primarily American Foursquares and I-
houses are located in the area. The mid-nineteenth century Round Hill Presbyterian Church
and the early-twentieth century Round Hill School (now used as a residence) are also located
in this community. Protection of these historic structures is encouraged.
16
APPENDIX I - AREA PLANS
12
Western Frederick Land Use Plan
Western Jubal Early Planning Area
The Western Jubal Early planning area designates environmental resources associated with
the Abrams Creek corridor as Sensitive Natural Areas (SNA). These areas should be preserved
through the development process with improvements limited to required road crossings and
enhance recreational amenities such as walking trails. A portion of the City of Winchester’s
Green Circle Trail has been constructed on the north side of the Winchester Western Railroad.
The above transportation section envisions completion of connection to the trail out to
Merrimans Lane. Additionally, a connector trail should be developed that extends from the
existing trail to Cedar Creek Grade as an enhancement to the Green Circle Trail. The
connecting trail should be located to enhance the interaction of the user with any
environmental features or view sheds that are conserved through implementation of the plan.
One notable historic house located in the southwestern corner of the Western Jubal Early
planning area is the Stuart Brown House. The house is identified in the Lake’s Atlas of 1885
and has been identified as a potentially significant property in the Frederick County Rural
Landmarks Survey Protection of this structure is encouraged.
The Western Jubal Early planning area envisions the majority of this land to be developed for
residential uses through a new planned unit development (PUD). It will be incumbent upon
future development within the planning area to provide adequate community facilities, and
adequately mitigate other capital costs to fire and rescue services and public schools, to serve
any new residential development within the PUD. Recreational amenities, including a new
neighborhood park, such be part of any such development proposals. This is consistent with
the Community Facilities and Services policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
17
City of Winchester
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
£¤522
£¤50
£¤50
£¤11
£¤50
£¤522
£¤522
£¤50 £¤11
¬«7
¬«37
¬«37
µ
Western Frederick
Proposed Land Use Plan
Area Plan
The Comprehensive PlanDraft
Sunnyside
Urban Center
Planned Unit Development
Draft Sewer and Water Service Area
Urban Development Area
Land Use Leg end
Residential
Business
Extractive Mining
Institutional
0 0.5 10.25 Miles
Recreation
WesternJubal Early
Albin
Round HillCommunity
Round HillRural CommunityCenter
AlbinRural CommunityCenter
Map Revised: April 29, 2024
Draft Eastern Road Pla n
Improved Major Arteria l
New M inor Arterial
Improved Minor Arterial
New M ajor Collector
Improved Major Collector
New M inor Collector
Improved Minor Collector
Ramp
Roundabou t
Rural Community Center
Cu rrent Acreag es Proposed AcreagesBusiness1,108.41 1,110.71Commercial Re c 266.42 0Extractive Mi ni ng 424.47 424.64Institutional84.72 80.90PUD0489.68Recreation0756.44Residential977.28 216.93Rural Communi ty Ce nte r 1,172.12 1,453.07Urban Center 0 587.38
18
City of Winchester
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
£¤522
£¤50
£¤50
£¤11
£¤50
£¤522
£¤522
£¤50 £¤11
¬«7
¬«37
¬«37
µ
Western Frederick
Proposed Land Use Plan
Draft Transportation Map
Area Plan
The Comprehensive PlanDraft
Sunnyside
Draft Sewer and Water Service Area
Urban Development Area
0 0.5 10.25 Miles
WesternJubal Early
Albin
Round HillCommunity
Round HillRural CommunityCenter
AlbinRural CommunityCenter
Map Created: Apr il 30, 2024
Bike - Pedestrian Paths
Bicycle Only
Multi-Use
Pedestrian OnlyDraft Eastern Road Plan
Improved Major Arterial
New Minor Arterial
Improved Minor Arterial
New Major Collector
Improved Major Collector
New Minor Collector
Improved Minor Collector
Ramp
Roundabout
Trails
19
City of Winchester
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
§¨¦81
£¤522
£¤50
£¤50
£¤11
£¤50
£¤522
£¤522
£¤50 £¤11
¬«7
¬«37
¬«37
GreystoneFarm
Star Fort
Round HillPresbyterianChurch
Valley School
Tokes' Inn
Linden
Baker House
Gold House Mertz House
Old HomeOrchard
Glass-Rinker-CooperMill
Bond House
Garber Farm
Hodgson,Abner House
Manuel House
Belleville
Brown,StuartHouse
House,Rt. 522
RichardsHouse
Glendobb in
Glass-RinkerHouse
FrederickCountyPoor House
Miller FarmLog House
FrederickCountyCourt House
Liberty Hall
Stoney Acres
Stine House
Round HillSchool
Long Green
Homespun
Homespun
Walnut Grove
Hodgson House
Bungalow,Rt. 672
Aspen Shade
Retirement
Rosedale
FruitHill Farm
SolenbergerOrchard
Lupton-Bon dHouse
Clevenger-McKown House
Fort Collier
µ
Western Frederick
Proposed Land Use Plan
Draft Historic and Natural
Resou rces
Area Plan
The Comprehensive PlanDraft
Sunnyside
Draft Sewer and Water Service Area
Urban Development Area
0 0.5 10.25 Miles
WesternJubal Early
Albin
Round HillCommunity
Round HillRural CommunityCenter
AlbinRural CommunityCenter
Map Created: Apr il 30, 2024
Draft Eastern Road Plan
Improved Major Arterial
New Minor Arterial
Improved Minor Arterial
New Major Collector
Improved Major Collector
New Minor Collector
Improved Minor Collector
Ramp
RoundaboutFacilities
³n Elementary School
³n High School
#Historic Rural Landmarks
89:s Fire Station
Com munity Facilities
Sensitive Natural Areas
Natural Resources & Recreation
Battlefields
20
Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: August 26, 2024
Agenda Section: Revenue Sharing and Transportation Alternatives Projects,
Recent Awards
Title: Revenue Sharing and Transportation Alternatives Project, Recent Awards
Attachments:
TC08-26-24RevenueSharing_TransportationAltProjects_RecentAwards.pdf
21
22
Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: August 26, 2024
Agenda Section: MPO Transit Feasibility Study
Title: MPO Transit Feasibility Study
Attachments:
TC08-26-24MPOTransitFeasibilityStudy.pdf
23
24
WinFred MPO Transit Feasibility Study
June 2024
KFH Group, Inc.
Bethesda, MD | Austin, TX
Photo by Google Maps
Final Report:
25
Table of Contents
WinFred MPO Transit Feasibility Study | i | KFH Group Inc.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Background ............................................................................................................................................ 1-1
Chapter 2: Demographics, Land Use, and Summary of Previous Plans
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 2-1
Study Area .............................................................................................................................................. 2-1
Population Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 2-3
Population .................................................................................................................................. 2-3
Population Projections ............................................................................................................ 2-3
Population Density .................................................................................................................. 2-4
Transit Dependent Populations ........................................................................................... 2-6
Title VI Demographic Analysis ........................................................................................... 2-11
Land Use Profile .................................................................................................................................. 2-15
Major Trip Generators ........................................................................................................... 2-15 Employment Density ......................................................................................................................... 2-20 Employment Travel Patterns .......................................................................................................... 2-23 Means of Transportation to Work ..................................................................................... 2-28 Review of Recent Plans and Studies ........................................................................................... 2-28 Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 2035 – Updated in 2021 .......................... 2-28 City of Winchester Comprehensive Plan ........................................................................ 2-29 Winchester- Frederick County MPO Long Range Transportation Plan ............... 2-31 Stephens City Comprehensive Plan ................................................................................. 2-31 Winchester Transit – Transit Development Plan ......................................................... 2-32 Virginia’s Coordinated Human Services Mobility Plan .............................................. 2-33
Winchester-Frederick County Transit Services plan, 2009 ....................................... 2-33
Chapter 3: Community Outreach
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 3-1 Community Survey .............................................................................................................................. 3-1
Transportation Modes ............................................................................................................. 3-1
Unmet Transportation Needs ............................................................................................... 3-2 Reasons for Not Driving ......................................................................................................... 3-3
Is there a Need to Start a Public Transportation Service? .......................................... 3-3
Potential Service Areas ........................................................................................................... 3-3
Types of Services ....................................................................................................................... 3-4
Potential Use and Fares ......................................................................................................... 3-5
Participant Information .......................................................................................................... 3-5
Comments ................................................................................................................................... 3-6
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Stakeholder Interviews ....................................................................................................................... 3-9 On-Demand Service and Rural Service ............................................................................. 3-9
Medical Transportation ........................................................................................................ 3-10
Employment Transportation ............................................................................................... 3-10
Access to Education and Training ..................................................................................... 3-10
Other Transportation ............................................................................................................ 3-10
Winchester Transit Feedback.............................................................................................. 3-11
Service in the U.S. Route 11 Corridor............................................................................... 3-11
Regional Service ...................................................................................................................... 3-11
Senseny Road ........................................................................................................................... 3-12
Summary ............................................................................................................................................... 3-12
Chapter 4: Existing Services and Potential Alternatives
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 4-1
Existing Services .................................................................................................................................... 4-1
WinTran ....................................................................................................................................... 4-1
Other Transportation Providers – Subsidized ................................................................. 4-5 Other Transportation Providers – Non-Subsidized ....................................................... 4-7 Potential Service Alternatives for the MPO Area ..................................................................... 4-7 Alternative #1 – Deviated Fixed Route Service: Stephens City – Winchester ....... 4-8 Alternative #2 - Deviated Fixed Route from Stephens City to Laurel Ridge Community College ............................................................................................................... 4-12 Alternative #3 – Blended Option of #1 and #2 ............................................................ 4-15 Alternative #4 – Deviated Fixed Route from Boscawen Street Transfer Stop to Berryville Road via Senseny Road and Valley Mill Road ..................................... 4-18
Alternative #5 - Microtransit Service for other Areas ................................................ 4-21
Organizational Options .................................................................................................................... 4-23
City of Winchester .................................................................................................................. 4-23
Frederick County or Stephens City ................................................................................... 4-25
Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission ................................................. 4-26 Development of a Regional Transit Entity ..................................................................... 4-27
Federal and State Funding Discussion ....................................................................................... 4-28
Summary ............................................................................................................................................... 4-29
Chapter 5: Implementation Plan
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 5-1
Phase 1 – Microtransit ........................................................................................................................ 5-1
Estimated Ridership ................................................................................................................. 5-2
Expenses and Funding ............................................................................................................ 5-2
Future Services ...................................................................................................................................... 5-3
Appendix A: Trip Generators
Appendix B: Community Survey
27
Chapter 1: Introduction
WinFred MPO Transit Feasibility Study | 1-1 | KFH Group Inc.
Chapter 1
Introduction
Background
The Winchester-Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organization (WinFred MPO) planning area
includes the City of Winchester, the Town of Stephens City, the Urbanized Area of Frederick County, and
the area of Frederick County expected to be urbanized by the year 2045. A map of the area from the
MPO’s FY2023 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is provided as Exhibit 1-1. The Town of Stephens City, as a member of the MPO, requested a Transit Feasibility Study to explore the options for providing transit services within the Town of Stephens City in coordination with the existing City of Winchester transit program (WinTran), including potential service to Laurel Ridge Community College (formerly Lord Fairfax Community College) in Middletown. The WinFred MPO Policy Board subsequently decided to expand the study area to include the entire MPO planning area. As the administrative entity for the MPO, the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission
(NSVRC) applied to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) for grant
assistance to conduct a transit feasibility study for the MPO area. As one of the MPO’s on-call
consultants with familiarity of the issues, KFH Group was chosen to complete the technical work. The
study period was initiated in March 2023 and completed in April 2024.
This is the second feasibility study that developed options for transit services in the MPO area. The prior
study was completed in 2009 and is referenced in Chapter 2.
An advisory committee comprised of representatives from the following organizations provided
guidance during the study process:
• Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission
• Town of Stephens City
• Frederick County
• City of Winchester
• Valley Health
• A representative from the Hispanic community
• Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
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Chapter 1: Introduction
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Exhibit 1-1: Winfred MPO Planning Area
SOURCE: WINFRED MPO UPWP, FY2023
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Chapter 1: Introduction
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The scope of work included the following primary tasks:
• Task 1 – Project Administration and Overview
• Task 2 - Transit Needs Assessment
• Task 3 – Public and Stakeholder Involvement
• Task 4 – Evaluation of Current Transportation Services
• Task 5 – Development of Potential Transit Strategies
• Task 6 – Recommended Plan
• Task 7 – Final Plan
The remainder of this report documents the study process.
30
Chapter 2: Demographics, Land Use, and Summary of Previous Plans
WinFred MPO Transit Feasibility Study | 2-1 | KFH Group Inc.
Chapter 2
Demographics, Land Use, and Summary
of Previous Plans
Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an assessment of transit needs in the study area based on an analysis of demographic and land use data, as well as a review of previous plans and studies. Data ranging from major trip generators to underserved and unserved population subgroups are
documented and analyzed. The analysis includes a general population profile, identification, and
evaluation of potentially transit-dependent population subgroups, and a review of the demographic
characteristics pertinent to a Title VI analysis. Data sources include the 2010 and 2020 Census and the
American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-year estimates. The information included within this
chapter was combined with survey and stakeholder opinion to help develop service alternatives for the
region.
Study Area
The study area for the Winchester-Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organization (WinFred MPO) Transit Feasibility Study is defined as the City of Winchester, the Town of Stephens City, the Urbanized
Area of Frederick County, and the area of Frederick County expected to be urbanized by the year 2045.
The study area is in the Northern Shenandoah area of Virginia. A map of the study area is shown in
Figure 2-1. As is depicted on the map, the urbanized area that is outside of the City of Winchester
encompasses significantly more area than the City of Winchester, though public transportation is only
available within the city.
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Figure 2-1: WinFred MPO Study Area
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Population Analysis
This section provides a general population profile for the study area, identifies, and evaluates potentially transit-dependent population subgroups, and reviews the demographic characteristics pertinent to a Title VI analysis.
Population
Table 2-1 shows the U.S. Census population counts (2010 and 2020) for the City of Winchester, Frederick
County, the MPO area, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. These data show that the MPO area is
growing at a rate that is faster than any of the singular jurisdictions. The 2020 population of the MPO
area was over 20% greater than the 2010 population. The population of the MPO area comprises almost
70% of the combined population of Frederick County and the City of Winchester. The population
estimate for the Town of Stephens City is 2,308, based on the ACS 2017-2021 5-year estimate. This
population is included within the MPO area population.
Table 2-1: Population Change within the Study Area and the Commonwealth of Virginia
Jurisdiction 2010 Census Population 2020 Census Population Percent Change
City of Winchester 26,203 28,120 7.3%
Frederick County 78,305 91,419 16.7%
Total 104,508 119,539 14.4%
WinFred MPO 69,449 83,377 20.1%
MPO as a Percentage 66.5% 69.7%
Virginia 8,001,024 8,631,393 7.9%
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS
Population Projections
Projections made by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia show that Frederick County will continue to grow at a rate that is faster than that of the City of Winchester and the
Commonwealth of Virginia. These projections are shown in Table 2-2. There is not a specific projection
for the MPO area, but it is likely that a significant level of the county’s growth will occur within the MPO
area. The County’s’ Comprehensive Plan identifies an Urban Development Area (UDA), which is within
the Census-designated Urbanized Area.
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Table 2-2: Population Projections
Jurisdiction 2020 2030 Percent Change 2040 Percent Change 2050 Percent Change
Frederick County 91,419 103,035 12.7% 117,383 13.9% 133,488 13.7%
Winchester city 28,120 29,606 5.3% 31,404 6.1% 33,671 7.2%
Virginia, Statewide 8,631,393 9,129,002 5.8% 9,759,371 6.9% 10,535,810 8.0%
SOURCE: WELDON COOPER CENTER FOR PUBLIC INTEREST, UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.
Population Density
Population density is often a determinate for the type of public transportation service that is feasible in
an area. Generally, an area with a population density greater than 2,000 persons per square mile will be
able to sustain frequent daily fixed route bus services. Areas with a population density below 2,000
persons per square mile may be better suited for deviated fixed route, flex schedule, or dial-a-ride
service. Much of the City of Winchester exhibits population densities of over 2,000 people per square
mile, except for two block groups on the western edge of the city (adjacent to the U.S. Route 50 west
corridor) and one block group on the southwest border that includes major retail destinations.
Additional high-density areas are located to the east and southeast of Stephens City, east of I-81. These
areas are included within the Urbanized Area and are not currently served by public transportation.
Figure 2-2 shows the population density of the study area displayed by Census block groups.
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Figure 2-2: Population Density Displayed by Census Block Groups in the Study Area
SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, 2017-2021 FIVE YEAR ESTIMATES
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Transit Dependent Populations
Identifying the relative size and location of segments of the population that are more likely to depend
on transit service is important when defining public transportation needs. Transit dependent
populations include individuals that may not have access to a personal vehicle or may be unable to drive
due to age or income status. Determining the location of transit dependent populations helps focus
planning efforts for public transportation services.
To provide an objective analysis, the transit needs analysis consists of a relative measure when mapping population groups. This measure is based on the study area’s average for each demographic characteristic. To rank the socioeconomic need, block groups are classified relative to the study area using a five-tiered scale of “low” to “very high.” It is important to note that a block group classified as “low” can still have a substantial number of potential transit dependent persons as “low” means below the study area’s average. At the other end of the spectrum, “very high” means greater than twice the study area’s average. Table 2-3 summarizes the exact specifications for each score.
Table 2-3: Relative Ranking Definitions for Transit Dependent Populations
Number of Vulnerable Persons or Households Score
Less than and equal to the study area’s average Low
Above the average and up to 1.33 times the average Elevated
Above 1.33 times the average and up to 1.67 times the average Moderate
Above 1.67 times the average and up to two times the average High
Above two times the average Very High
Figure 2-3 displays TDI rankings for the study area. According to the TDI, the only very high transit need
areas are found in block groups located in downtown Winchester. High transit need areas are found
east of downtown, the northwest portion of the city, an area east of the city and south of Route 7, and
an area southeast of Stephens City.
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Figure 2-3: Transit Dependence Index
SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, 2017-2021 FIVE YEAR ESTIMATES
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The Transit Dependence Index Percentage (TDIP) provides a complementary analysis to the TDI measure. It is nearly identical to the TDI measure except for the population density factor. By removing
the population per square mile factor, the TDIP measures the degree rather than the amount of
vulnerability. The TDIP represents the percentage of the population within the block group with above
average transit dependent socioeconomic characteristics, and it follows the TDI’s five-tiered
categorization of “low” to “very high.” It differs in that it does not highlight block groups that are likely
to have higher concentrations of vulnerable populations only because of their population density.
Figure 2-4 shows transit need based on percentage. This map shows that there are very high
percentages of transit dependent individuals in several downtown Winchester block groups; the U.S.
Route 50 west corridor; an area northwest of Winchester, to the east of U.S. Route 522; an area north of the Route 7 corridor, along the Frederick County/Clarke County border; and an area both east and west of U.S. Route 522, east of Stephens City and north of State Route 277.
Autoless Households
Households without access to at least one personal vehicle are more likely to depend on the mobility offered by public transit. Autoless households are reflected in both the TDI and TDIP measures, however, displaying this segment of the population separately is seen as important from a transit planning
perspective. As shown in Figure 2-5, areas with very high relative numbers of autoless households are
located in the northernmost block groups of the study area, west of U.S. 11; an area northeast of the
City of Winchester; an area in northeastern Winchester that includes Westminster Canterbury; several
areas of central Winchester, extending east into Frederick County and along the eastern county border;
a block group east of Stephens City, and one at the southern end of the study area.
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Figure 2-4: Transit Dependence Index by Percentage
SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, 2017-2021 FIVE YEAR ESTIMATES
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Figure 2-5: Autoless Households in the Study Area
SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, 2017-2021 FIVE YEAR ESTIMATES
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Title VI Demographic Analysis
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin
in programs and activities receiving federal subsidies. This includes agencies providing federally funded
public transportation. The following section examines the minority and below poverty level populations
in the study area.
Minority Population
In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is important to ensure that areas with a higher than average concentration of racial and/or ethnic minorities are not negatively impacted by proposed alterations to existing public transportation services. To determine whether an alteration
would have an adverse impact it is necessary to first understand where concentrations of minority
individuals reside. Figure 2-6 provides a map of the study area showing the Census block groups shaded
according to whether they have minority populations of above or below the service area average (mean)
of 26.3%. Above average concentrations of minorities are located in the City of Winchester, generally
east of Route 11 and extending into Frederick County, both to the northeast, and to the southeast of
the city. There are also above average concentrations of minorities east and northeast of Stephens City.
Below Poverty Populations
This socioeconomic group represents individuals who earn less than the federal poverty level. These
individuals face financial hardships that make owning and providing the necessary maintenance of a
personal vehicle difficult. For this segment of the population, public transportation may be the more
economical choice. Figure 2-7 is a map that shows the Census block groups according to whether the
poverty rate is above or below the study area average (mean) of 7.9%. Note that the federal poverty
rate is 11.6% and Virginia’s is 10.2%, so the study area’s average poverty rate is lower than the national and state rates. According to the map, areas with above average concentrations of below poverty populations are located to the west and northwest of the City of Winchester; a relatively large area in the northeastern quadrant of the study area; an area between U.S. Route 11 and I-81, south of Winchester; the Town of Stephens City; and an area east of Stephens City to the county border, north of State Route 277.
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Figure 2-6: Distribution of the Minority Population in the Study Area
SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, 2017-2021 FIVE YEAR ESTIMATES
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Figure 2-7: Distribution of the Below Poverty Population in the Study Area
SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, 2017-2021 FIVE YEAR ESTIMATES
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Limited-English Proficiency
It is important to recognize the variety of languages spoken in the study area to ensure that public
information is disseminated to individuals who speak languages other than English. According to ACS
five-year estimates, 5.2% of the region’s population speak English less than “very well” and are
considered to have limited English proficiency (LEP). Spanish is the top language spoken by LEP
populations and the only one that is above the “safe harbor” threshold of requiring that vital documents
be translated. Safe harbor obligations require written translations of vital documents for each LEP
language group that constitutes 5% or 1,000 people, whichever is less.
There are an estimated 5,155 Spanish speaking residents in the city and county (combined) who speak English “less than well.” Table 2-4 provides the LEP data for Frederick County and the City of Winchester including the top languages spoken by LEP individuals.
Table 2-4: Limited English Proficiency in the Study Area
Frederick County, Virginia Winchester City, Virginia County and City Combined
Estimate Percent of Total Estimate Percent of Total Estimate Percent of Total
Total Population Over 5 years old or older 85,079 26,473 111,552
Speak only English 75,964 89.29% 21,535 81.35% 97,499 87.40%
Spanish 7,360 8.65% 4,143 15.65% 11,503 10.31%
Speak English "very well" 4,249 4.99% 2,099 7.93% 6,348 5.69%
Speak English less than "very well" 3,111 3.66% 2,044 7.72% 5,155 4.62%
French, Haitian, or Cajun 90 0.11% 140 0.53% 230 0.21%
Speak English "very well" 89 0.10% 64 0.24% 153 0.14%
Speak English less than "very well" 1 0.00% 76 0.29% 77 0.07%
German or other West
Germanic languages 248 0.29% 48 0.18% 296 0.27%
Speak English "very well" 219 0.26% 44 0.17% 263 0.24%
Speak English less than "very well" 29 0.03% 4 0.02% 33 0.03%
Russian, Polish, or other Slavic languages 117 0.14% 123 0.46% 240 0.22%
Speak English "very well" 82 0.10% 30 0.11% 112 0.10%
Speak English less than "very well" 35 0.04% 93 0.35% 128 0.11%
Other Indo-European languages 517 0.61% 200 0.76% 717 0.64%
Speak English "very well" 386 0.45% 163 0.62% 549 0.49%
Speak English less than "very well" 131 0.15% 37 0.14% 168 0.15%
Korean 63 0.07% 2 0.01% 65 0.06%
Speak English "very well" 29 0.03% 0 0.00% 29 0.03%
Speak English less than "very well" 34 0.04% 2 0.01% 36 0.03%
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Frederick County, Virginia Winchester City, Virginia County and City Combined
Chinese (incl. Mandarin, Cantonese) 148 0.17% 25 0.09% 173 0.16%
Speak English "very well" 138 0.16% 25 0.09% 163 0.15%
Speak English less than "very well" 10 0.01% 0 0.00% 10 0.01%
Vietnamese 29 0.03% 80 0.30% 109 0.10%
Speak English "very well" 29 0.03% 34 0.13% 63 0.06%
Speak English less than "very well" 0 0.00% 46 0.17% 46 0.04%
Tagalog (incl. Filipino): 208 0.24% 42 0.16% 250 0.22%
Speak English "very well" 169 0.20% 42 0.16% 211 0.19%
Speak English less than "very well" 39 0.05% 0 0.00% 39 0.03%
Other Asian and Pacific Island languages: 194 0.23% 45 0.17% 239 0.21%
Speak English "very well" 174 0.20% 21 0.08% 195 0.17%
Speak English less than "very well" 20 0.02% 24 0.09% 44 0.04%
Arabic 55 0.06% 6 0.02% 61 0.05%
Speak English "very well" 55 0.06% 0 0.00% 55 0.05%
Speak English less than "very well" 0 0.00% 6 0.02% 6 0.01%
Other and unspecified languages 86 0.10% 84 0.32% 170 0.15%
Speak English "very well" 85 0.10% 33 0.12% 118 0.11%
Speak English less than "very well" 1 0.00% 51 0.19% 52 0.05%
Less than "very well" all languages 3,411 4.01% 2,383 9.00% 5,794 5.19%
SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, 2017-2021 FIVE YEAR ESTIMATES
Land Use Profile
Major Trip Generators
Identifying major trip generators and land uses within the study area complements the demographic
analysis. Trip generators such as multi-unit housing, major employers, medical facilities, educational
facilities, and shopping centers attract transit demand. Figures 2-8 and 2-9 provide maps of the major
trip generators identified in this section. The list of trip generators used to develop these maps is
provided in Appendix A.
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Figure 2-8: Major Trip Generators in the Study Area
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Figure 2-9: Major Trip Generators in the City of Winchester Area
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Educational Facilities
Major educational facilities such as universities, community colleges, and vocational schools, attract
transit demand due to the student population that may be unable to afford or operate a personal
vehicle, and by faculty and staff members that are associated with these institutions as major places of
employment.
An important educational facility for residents of the study area is Laurel Ridge Community College,
located in Middletown. The need to provide public transportation to Laurel Ridge (formerly called Lord Fairfax) has been identified for many years. The City of Winchester has launched a relatively new service that provides service between the city and Laurel Ridge, but it uses use I-81 and does not serve the Frederick County corridor that is in between Winchester and Laurel Ridge. Service between Frederick County neighborhoods and Laurel Ridge remains an unmet need.
Shenandoah University is located within the City of Winchester and is served by WinTran’s Apple Blossom Route.
High schools can also be important trip generators, especially for students who have after school jobs and
internships. Only one of the area’s four area high schools, Handley, in the City of Winchester, is served by
transit. James Wood is located just northwest of the City and Millbrook High School is located east of
Winchester in the Berryville Avenue corridor. Sherando High School is in Stephens City, which is also not
currently served by public transportation. The area’s vocational high school, the Dowell J. Howard Center,
is not in the WinTran service area. It is located just east of I-81 and south of Berryville Avenue.
Human and Community Services
Public transit is often vital in ensuring transit dependent populations have access to human service agencies and organizations. Human service agencies provide assistance and resources to residents seeking support in a spectrum of issues including, but not limited to, poverty assistance, senior health care, childhood development, recreation, and nutrition.
The Departments of Social Services for Frederick County and the City of Winchester are located in downtown Winchester and served by WinTran. The Frederick/Winchester Health Department is also
located in downtown Winchester. The Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging (SAAA) is based in Front
Royal and operates several senior centers in the region, including one in the City of Winchester and one
in Stephens City. The SAAA offers transportation to these centers on a space available basis.
While not necessarily classified as a human service agency, the Department of Motor Vehicles is located
at 4050 Valley Pike, which is south of the City of Winchester and not served by public transportation.
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Major Employers
Public transportation is a vital link for transit dependent populations to reach employment
opportunities. Choice riders may also find public transportation a viable travel alternative to commute
to work if the transit service provided is convenient. While there are several major employers based in
the City of Winchester with good access to WinTran, there are also some major employers that are
located outside of the city and/or in areas not served by WinTran.
There are several major employers located in an industrial park southeast of the City of Winchester. This
area is in the U.S. Route 17 south corridor, east of the Winchester Regional Airport. Some of the major
employers located in this area include:
• Navy Federal Credit Union
• FBI Central Records Complex
• Annandale Millwork
The FEMA complex, located at 430 Market Street, is north of Winchester in the Rutherford Crossing area and is not served by WinTran. The Kernstown area, home to HP Hood and some other smaller employers, is also not served.
There is another industrial park in northeast Winchester, home to Kraft Heinz, Riviana Foods, a Home
Depot Distribution Center, and some smaller companies. This area is partially served by the Northside
Route, which travels as far north as the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center.
Amazon and McKesson, two of the area’s larger employers are located in Clear Brook, which is north of
Winchester close to the West Virginia line in the U.S. 11 Corridor. This area does not have any public
transportation options.
Major Shopping Destinations
Shopping centers are attractive trip destinations for many residents. Shopping centers allow residents
to purchase essential items such as groceries and other necessities and often serve as a place of
employment for residents who would rely on transit. For the purposes of this study, shopping
destinations are defined as a concentration of stores such as a mall or retail outlet, large retail
establishments and major supermarkets. It is important that the selected shopping destinations do not simply represent recreational shopping locations, but general merchandise and food outlets, as transit dependent persons are more likely to rely on transit services for essential needs.
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As with the other major destinations, those that are located within the City of Winchester are generally served by WinTran. Some significant shopping destinations that are not served are listed below:
• Walmart Supercenter, 201 Maranto Manor Drive – Stephens City area
• Walmart Supercenter, 501 Walmart Drive, just west of the Winchester Medical Center in the Amherst
Street corridor
• Martins in the Stephens City area
• Dollar General in the Stephens City area
• Fredericktowne Crossing Shopping Center in the Stephens City area
Medical Facilities
Public transportation provides an important mobility option for medical trips, especially for senior adults and persons with disabilities. The major medical facility in the study area is Valley Health’s Winchester Medical Center. There are also several doctors’ offices and medical services clustered near the hospital, which is located on Amherst Street, west of downtown Winchester. This area is served by WinTran’s Amherst Street Route.
Multi-Unit/High-Density Housing
Residents of multi-unit housing tend to drive fewer miles and use public transportation more frequently than residents of single-family housing. Higher density housing is also easier to serve with public
transportation, as more riders can use the same shared stop. Most of the multi-family housing
developments in the study area are located within the City of Winchester and are within walking distance
of WinTran service. It should be noted that there are multi-family developments in and near Stephens
City and these are not served by public transportation.
Employment Density
The Longitudinal Employer Household Dynamics (LEHD) program was used to provide an estimate for the employment density of the study area. The LEHD program is part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Center
for Economic Studies. The data used to develop the LEHD estimates are drawn from the state’s
Unemployment Insurance earnings data and the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW),
together with additional data from censuses and surveys.1 Figures 2-10 and 2-11 display the
employment density for the City of Winchester and for Frederick County using the LEHD On The Map
program. The limitation of this dataset is that it shows all of the jobs for a particular employer at the
same location, when they may be spread out (such as for the Board of Education).
1 https://lehd.ces.census.gov/
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Figure 2-10: Employment Density in the City of Winchester
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Figure 2-11: Employment Density in Frederick County
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These maps show that the greatest density of jobs in the study area is within the downtown core of the City of Winchester, extending west along the Amherst Street corridor to Valley Health. There is a
secondary dense cluster of jobs in the retail area around the Apple Blossom Mall.
The job density data for Frederick County shows several job clusters surrounding the City of Winchester,
particularly on the north, the east, and the southern borders of the city. There are smaller clusters in the
Stephens City area and south of the MPO area in Middletown.
Employment Travel Patterns
In addition to identifying the locations of major employers, it is also important to account for the commuting patterns of residents working inside and outside of the study area. Data from the U.S. Census
Bureau’s Longitudinal Employer Household Dynamics (LEHD) program was used to learn where people
who live in Frederick County and the City of Winchester work, as well as where people who work in
Frederick County and the City of Winchester live. The dataset used was based on cities, towns, and
census designated places, rather than counties.
This data shows that the largest single workplace location for both Frederick County and Winchester
city residents who are in the workforce is Winchester. About 24.7% of the Frederick County workforce
works in the City of Winchester. Just over 31% of Winchester residents who are in the workforce also
work in the city. For those workers who commute to other jurisdictions, their work locations are varied, as is shown in Tables 2-5 and 2-6. The top 25 locations are shown in each of these tables. Leesburg is the most popular work destination outside of Winchester for both Frederick County and Winchester residents. Winchester is the most popular home location for people who work in Frederick County, followed by Front Royal, Strasburg, and Martinsburg, WV. Winchester is also the most popular home location for people who work there, followed by Front Royal, Strasburg, and Shawneeland. These data are shown in Tables 2-7 and 2-8.
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Table 2-5: Journey to Work Locations for Frederick County Residents
Workplace Destination Number Percent
All Places (Cities, CDPs, etc.) 40,953 100.00%
Winchester city, VA 10,113 24.70%
Leesburg town, VA 827 2.00%
Front Royal town, VA 686 1.70%
Chantilly CDP, VA 664 1.60%
Berryville town, VA 634 1.50%
Harrisonburg city, VA 583 1.40%
Ashburn CDP, VA 566 1.40%
Arlington CDP, VA 416 1.00%
Reston CDP, VA 399 1.00%
Purcellville town, VA 345 0.80%
Broadlands CDP, VA 289 0.70%
Richmond city, VA 289 0.70%
Tysons CDP, VA 287 0.70%
Woodstock town, VA 282 0.70%
Fair Oaks CDP, VA 280 0.70%
Martinsburg city, WV 264 0.60%
Washington city, DC 256 0.60%
Strasburg town, VA 220 0.50%
Alexandria city, VA 214 0.50%
Middletown town, VA 207 0.50%
Vienna town, VA 200 0.50%
Warrenton town, VA 193 0.50%
Sterling CDP, VA 174 0.40%
Dulles Town Center CDP, VA 173 0.40%
Lansdowne CDP, VA 166 0.40%
All Other Locations 22,226 54.30%
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Table 2-6: Journey to Work Locations for Winchester City Residents
Workplace Destination Number Percent
All Places (Cities, CDPs, etc.) 12,104 100%
Winchester city 3,780 31.2%
Leesburg town 179 1.5%
Harrisonburg city 164 1.4%
Front Royal town 157 1.3%
Berryville town 154 1.3%
Chantilly CDP 146 1.2%
Arlington CDP 125 1.0%
Reston CDP 110 0.9%
Washington city, DC 95 0.8%
Fair Oaks CDP 92 0.8%
Tysons CDP 89 0.7%
Ashburn CDP 85 0.7%
Purcellville town 82 0.7%
Martinsburg city, WV 79 0.7%
Richmond city 72 0.6%
Alexandria city 60 0.5%
Vienna town 59 0.5%
Sterling CDP 57 0.5%
Middletown town 53 0.4%
Dulles Town Center CDP 51 0.4%
Roanoke city 51 0.4%
Manassas city 50 0.4%
McNair CDP 48 0.4%
Springfield CDP 47 0.4%
Warrenton town 46 0.4%
All other locations 6,173 51%
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Table 2-7: Home Locations for People Working in Frederick County
Home Location Number Percent
All Places (Cities, CDPs, etc.) 28,282 100%
Winchester city 2,463 8.7%
Front Royal town 493 1.7%
Strasburg town 438 1.5%
Martinsburg city, WV 334 1.2%
Shawneeland CDP 281 1.0%
Lake Holiday CDP 253 0.9%
Stephens City town 227 0.8%
Middletown town 172 0.6%
Harrisonburg city 170 0.6%
Leesburg town 160 0.6%
Inwood CDP, WV 148 0.5%
Virginia Beach city 142 0.5%
Berryville town 140 0.5%
Woodstock town 130 0.5%
Shenandoah Farms CDP 127 0.4%
Richmond city, VA 115 0.4%
Ashburn CDP, VA 96 0.3%
Sterling CDP, VA 87 0.3%
Arlington CDP 85 0.3%
Washington city 70 0.2%
South Riding CDP 69 0.2%
Dale City CDP 68 0.2%
Centreville CDP 67 0.2%
Manassas city 65 0.2%
Linton Hall CDP 61 0.5%
All Other Locations 21,821 77%
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Table 2-8: Home Locations for People Working in the City of Winchester
Home Location Number Percent
All Places (Cities, CDPs, etc) 27,059 1
Winchester city 3,780 14%
Front Royal town 476 2%
Strasburg town 420 2%
Shawneeland CDP 294 1%
Lake Holiday CDP 279 1%
Stephens City town 244 1%
Martinsburg city 227 1%
Woodstock town 176 1%
Inwood CDP, WV 166 1%
Berryville town 142 1%
Middletown town 135 1%
Leesburg town 125 1%
Harrisonburg city 123 1%
Shenandoah Farms CDP 122 1%
Virginia Beach city 97 0%
Luray town 76 0%
Ashburn CDP 69 0%
Richmond city 67 0%
Purcellville town 65 0%
Alexandria city 54 0%
Arlington CDP, VA 54 0%
Linton Hall CDP 53 0%
Gore CDP 50 0%
Maurertown CDP 48 0%
Ranson, WV 48 0%
All Other Locations 19,669 73%
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Means of Transportation to Work
The primary way that residents of both Frederick County and the City of Winchester get to work is via a
private car, truck, or van, driving alone, as shown in Table 2-9. Carpooling is a distant second mode choice,
with 8.8% of the county’s work force and 12.5% of the city’s work force choosing this mode. Winchester
workers show a higher usage (as a percentage) for all the non-single occupant commute modes as
compared to Frederick County workers. Very low public transportation usage is shown in the data.
Table 2-9: Means of Transportation to Work
Frederick County, Virginia Winchester city, Virginia
Commuting to Work Estimate Percent Estimate Percent
Workers ages16 years and older 43,380 14,766
Car, truck, or van -- drove alone 35,199 81.10% 10,421 70.60%
Car, truck, or van -- carpooled 3,800 8.80% 1,839 12.50%
Public transportation (excluding taxicab) 142 0.30% 142 1.00%
Walked 469 1.10% 706 4.80%
Other means 371 0.90% 122 0.80%
Worked from home 3,399 7.80% 1,536 10.40%
Mean travel time to work (minutes) 33.2 23
SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, FIVE-YEAR ESTIMATES (2017-2021)
Review of Recent Plans and Studies
The needs analysis includes a review of recent plans and studies that have addressed transportation
needs and land use in the City of Winchester, Frederick County, or the MPO area specifically. This section
provides a summary of the relevant plans and studies including the issues and recommendations related to transportation and transit.
Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 2035 – Updated in 2021
Frederick County’s Comprehensive Plan (the Plan) provides a framework for how the county will manage growth and development as it relates to land use, transportation, public facilities, infrastructure, historic resources, and natural resources over a roughly 20-year period. The most recent update to the Plan occurred in 2021.
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The transportation section of the Plan is heavily focused on roadways, but does include one goal in the area of alternative transportation:
“Goal 7: Provide cost effective alternatives to automobile travel as needed, for the elderly, disabled, students, and workforce.” Strategies associated with this goal include coordinating with the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging (SAAA) and Access Independence to help secure outside funding; working with the MPO to identify transportation need, and monitoring data to keep informed regarding growing need.2
The need to incorporate bicycle and pedestrian facilities into new roads and upgrades to existing roadways
is also discussed. In terms of land uses, the Plan discusses that growth should be directed to areas within
the Urban Development Area (UDA). The UDA area, as shown in Exhibit 2-1, is a smaller footprint than the
Urbanized Area.
City of Winchester Comprehensive Plan
The City of Winchester completed their most recent Comprehensive Plan in May 2022. The city’s plan
includes a chapter on mobility that highlights walkability as a community vision. The city’s mobility goal
is to “Create and maintain a safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable mobility and transportation
network that is interconnected, multi-modal, and that facilitates walkable urban land use patterns less dependent upon personal vehicle use.”3 Thirteen objectives were developed to support this goal. Several of the objectives address transit services including the following:
Objective 3 – “Encourage the use of alternate modes of mobility including walking, bicycling, and public transportation by all sectors of the population to reduce the dependency upon private automobile use.” Part of this objective specifically advocates for the implementation of the recommendations included within the MPO’s 2009 Transit Services Plan. These included increased WinTran frequency of service, the extension of WinTran routes into Frederick County’s most urbanized areas, and the addition of bike racks to WinTran buses.
Objective 7 – “Investigate the needs for multimodal transfer facilities.” This objective calls for the
construction of covered bus shelters, particularly at multimodal intersections near parking garages
and the Green Circle Trail.
Objective 8 calls for the city to work with Frederick County and Stephens City to extend public
transportation between the city and important destinations that are outside the city, including
Laurel Ridge Community College, the DMC, the Virginia Employment Commission, the regional
detention facilities. Regional transit services are advocated for this objective.
Other objectives within the mobility section advocate for improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
and the implementation of New Urbanistic layouts of interconnected street grids.
2 The Comprehensive Plan for Frederick County, Life at the Top, Adopted by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors, November 10, 2021.
3 City of Winchester, 2022 Comprehensive Plan, Adopted by Winchester Common Council, March 8, 2022.
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Exhibit 2-1: Frederick County’s Urban and Rural Areas from County Comprehensive Plan
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Winchester – Frederick County MPO Long Range Transportation
Plan
The WinFred MPO completed its 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) in November 2022. The plan is a federal requirement and is updated every five years. The purpose of the plan is to “set forth the goals, objectives, strategies, and actions required to develop and maintain and efficient, equitable, multi-modal system for the transportation of people and goods throughout greater Winchester in a manner that will enhance the economic, social, and environmental qualities of the community.”4 Modes addressed in the plan include roadways, public transportation facilities, non-motorized transportation
facilities, and intermodal connectors. Aviation is also discussed within the plan.
The vision for the plan is as follows:
“It is the policy of the WinFred MPO and its member jurisdictions to strive for a multi-modal
transportation system that is planned, designed, operated, and maintained to provide:
safe, efficient, fiscally sustainable access to economic and community life for all, regardless of one’s
ability, desire, or opportunity to drive, while preserving and enhancing environmental quality and
community character.”
The MTP incorporated recommendations from a series of local plans to develop a set of five MPO
strategies. The two that address public transportation include:
• Goal 2: Accessible and Connected Places. One of the objectives under this goal is to increase accessibility to jobs via transit, walking and driving, which includes implementing the recommendations within the WinTran Transit Development Plan, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, and a recommendation to design streets for all users.
• Goal 5: Healthy Communities and Sustainable Transportation Communities. One of the objectives
under this goal is to increase the number of bicycling and walking trips through the implementation
of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, as well as the above recommendation to design streets
for all users.
The MTP documents the MPO area’s resources within each mode, develops performance measures, and provides a financial plan.
Stephens City Comprehensive Plan
The Town of Stephens City’s Comprehensive Plan addresses the years 2011-2031 and was adopted in 2011. Stephen City’s vision for the town’s future provides the framework for the plan. The vision statement is, “Stephens City – A strong and caring community, with historic small-town charm and its own unique identity, within a healthy and prosperous environment.”5
4 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, WinFred MPO, November 2022.
5 Town of Stephens City Comprehensive Plan, 2011-2031, Adopted May 3, 2011.
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Important themes among the goals include maintaining the character of the town while managing growth and promoting high quality development. Building a better working relationship with Frederick
County to influence more control over growth adjacent to Stephens City is also listed as a goal. Goal 6
addresses transportation and states: “Provide a safe and effective transportation system for pedestrians,
bicyclists and vehicles in the town and surrounding area.” Public transportation is not specifically
addressed.
The need to ensure adequate parking is also discussed, along with two major VDOT roadway projects
that will affect the town significantly – the relocation of the Route 277/I-81 interchange and the
development of a Stephens City Western bypass to Route 11.
Winchester Transit – Transit Development Plan
The recommendations from WinTran’s most recent Transit Development Plan Update (FY2017-2028), as referenced in the MPO’s LRTP, are listed below.
Short Term
• Improve on-time arrival by eliminating underperforming stops, serving facilities only during their
business hours, and reconfiguring the downtown circulation pattern.
• Provide more frequent service by eliminating the Trolley and streamlining the Amherst-Apple
Blossom routes.
• Improve information access by making the route map available via print and updating the website.
• Designate specific bays for each bus route at the transfer location.
• Add a staff member to assist with operations.
Mid-Term
• Provide more frequent service by introducing a Northside Circulator and a Southside Circulator to
replace some of the current routes.
Long-Term
• Expand the span of service by extending service until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and introducing Sunday service.
• Provide more frequent service to achieve 30-minute headways.
• Expand service area by extending the Apple Blossom Route; introducing a Frederick County route; and extending service to LFCC (now LRCC).6
6 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, WinFred MPO, November 2022, page 34.
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Virginia’s Coordinated Human Services Mobility Plan
Virginia's Coordinated Human Services Mobility Plan was most recently updated in 2019. The plan was
developed by region, with the WinFred MPO assigned to the Northern Region, which included the
following counties and cities: Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Page,
Prince William, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Warren, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas,
Manassas Park, and Winchester. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requires the development of
coordinated public transit – human services plans to support funding requests for projects funded
through FTA’s Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program.
Service alternatives for the region included the following:
• Provide transportation to seniors and individuals with disabilities who cannot use public
transportation or who live in areas where public transportation is not available.
• Where possible, partner with public transportation providers to determine opportunities for efficiencies with route modification, deviated fixed route, or other service alterations.
• Develop a “one call/one click” approach for human service transportation.7
Winchester-Frederick County Transit Services plan, 2009
In 2009 the WinFred MPO worked with KFH Group to prepare an MPO Transit Services Plan, similar to
the current planning effort.8 The service plan recommended the following improvements:
• Fixed route transit service extensions in the Winchester-Frederick County urbanized area, including
extensions of all five fixed routes into the county along each primary service corridor (Berryville
Avenue; Valley Avenue; Amherst Street; Millwood Avenue; Route 11 North).
• Fixed route service adjustments to better serve riders with the City of Winchester.
• Expansion of the days and hours for WinTran services.
• Increased frequency of service for WinTran’s fixed routes.
• Improved passenger amenities.
• Countywide demand response public transportation.
• Corridor service along Route 11 to serve Stephens City and LFCC (now LRCC).
• Regional corridor service.
• Commuter infrastructure and services.
7 Virginia Coordinated Human Services Mobility Plan, 2019, developed for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, by Michael Baker, Renaissance Planning, and Foursquare ITP.
8 Winchester-Frederick County Transit Services Plan, August 2009, prepared for the Winchester-Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organization, prepared by KFH Group, Inc.
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Chapter 3
Community Outreach
Introduction
Chapter 3 summarizes the community outreach process and the input that was received for the Transit
Feasibility study. Through this process, feedback was obtained concerning the services currently
available in the Winchester-Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organization (WinFred MPO) area,
as well as unmet public transportation needs.
These findings were combined with the results of the previous tasks to identify issues and opportunities that were considered for the development of alternatives for the plan. This chapter is divided into the following sections:
• Community Survey – Summary of a survey that provided the opportunity to gather opinions from the general public.
• Stakeholder Interviews – A review of the feedback received from local stakeholders regarding existing transit services, unmet public transportation needs, and priorities for the future.
Community Survey
To get a better understanding of the need for public transportation in the WinFred MPO area, a
community survey was conducted. The survey was available electronically, with paper backup copies
available at key locations. The survey was also administered by the NSVRC’s outreach consultant team
during the Apple Blossom Festival. The survey period began in early May and ended in late June 2023.
A total of 224 responses were received, with the results summarized below.
Transportation Modes
The first survey question asked respondents to indicate what transportation mode they usually use to
access work, school, shopping, medical appointments, and other life activities. The majority of the
respondents indicated that they drive themselves (74%). The second highest response was “a friend or
family member drives me,” with 8.9% indicating this choice. Public transportation was listed third, with
5.8% of respondents choosing that mode.
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The second question asked respondents to indicate whether they used a number of forms of public transportation that were listed within the survey. The results to this question are summarized in Table
3-1. These data show that about 35% of respondents use Winchester Transit on a regular basis, followed
by WMATA Metro Rail or Bus, carpools, and MARC Rail. Responses in the “other” category with more
than two entries included “none,” Uber, and United Healthcare.
Table 3-1: Public Transportation Modes Used
Answer Choices Responses
% #
Winchester Transit 34.6% 28
Other (please specify) 34.6% 28
WMATA Metro Rail or Bus 13.6% 11
Carpools 12.4% 10
MARC Rail 11.1% 9
Vanpools 4.9% 4
ShenGo 3.7% 3
Royal Trolley 2.5% 2
Corridor Connector 1.2% 1
WellTran 1.2% 1
Clarke County on Demand 0.0% 0
Answered 81
Skipped 143
Unmet Transportation Needs
Question three asked if respondents, or others in their home, have problems getting their transportation
needs met. The results indicated that 42.6% said “yes” they do have problems getting their
transportation needs met, and 57.4% said “no.” The follow up question for those respondents that
indicated “yes” asked what the lack of transportation keeps them or others in their home from doing.
These results are shown in Table 3-2 and show the most need for transportation access for medical and dental appointments, social/recreational activities, and working/seeking employment. Respondents could check more than one answer.
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Table 3-2: Unmet Transportation Responses
Answer Choices Responses
Percent Number
Medical or dental appointments 64.0% 55
Social or recreational activities 54.7% 47
Working or seeking employment 48.8% 42
Shopping 44.2% 38
Attending school or training 33.7% 29
Other 9.3% 8
Answered 86
Skipped 138
Reasons for Not Driving
For those who indicated transportation issues, the survey asked if there are reasons why people do not
drive or limit the amount they drive. Of the 93 respondents who answered this question, 76 respondents
indicated that there are specific reasons for either not driving or limiting driving. “Not licensed to drive”
was checked the most frequently, with 34 responses, followed by “do not drive at night”, 29 responses, and “do not have a vehicle,” 28 responses.
Is there a Need to Start a Public Transportation Service?
The survey specifically asked respondents to indicate if they thought there is a need to start a public
transportation service for areas of Frederick County and Stephens City that are not served by Winchester
Transit. Over 90% of the respondents (197) indicated “yes.”
Potential Service Areas
When asked about the importance of potential service areas, the following areas were most highly
ranked:
• U.S. Route 11 corridor between the City of Winchester, Stephens City, and LRCC;
• Areas of Frederick County that are outside of the City of Winchester, but adjacent to the current
WinTran routes; and
• Local service in the Stephens City area.
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If respondents indicated that commuter service was important, they were asked to list particular commuter destinations. These results are shown in Table 3-3.
Table 3-3: Commuter Destinations
Location Number of
Requests
Metrorail 14
Leesburg/Loudoun County 13
Northern VA 11
Airports 9
Berryville/Clarke County 7
Front Royal 6
Washington, DC 5
Strasburg 5
522 North 3
Martinsburg 2
Types of Services
Respondents were provided a list of service types and asked to indicate which would be the most useful. More than one answer was permitted for this question. The results show that fixed route service was
chosen most frequently, followed by microtransit, deviated fixed route, and demand response. These
answers are displayed in Table 3-4.
Table 3-4: Service Type Preferences
Answer Choices Responses
Percent Number
Fixed route service that follows a set route and schedule and does not require you to call ahead. 61.6% 101
Demand response service similar to Uber or Lyft that allows you to use a phone or computer application to schedule a ride when you need it. This type of service is called microtransit. 41.5% 68
Deviated fixed route service that follows a base route but will deviate up to ¾ mile to pick you up, if you have called ahead. 36.0% 59
Demand response service that requires you to call a day ahead and picks you up near your home and brings you to your destination. 34.8% 57
Answered 164
Skipped 60
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Potential Use and Fares
When asked if they or members of their household would use public transportation services if it met their needs, 86% said that they would. The survey also asked how much people would be willing to pay
for a one-way trip. The most indicated fare was between $1.00 and $2.00. These results are shown in
Table 3-5.
Table 3-5: Fares
Answer Choices Responses
Percent Number
Less than $1.00 12.4% 22
Between $1.00 and $2.00 54.5% 97
More than $2.00 33.2% 59 Answered 178 Skipped 46
Participant Information
The greatest number of survey participants indicated that they were from a Winchester zip code,
followed by Stephens City, and Middletown. These results are shown in Table 3-6.
Table 3-6: Participant Zip Codes
Zip Code Place Number of
Responses
22601 Winchester 59
22655 Stephens City 51
22602 Winchester 34
22603 Winchester 9
22645 Middletown 7
22625 Cross Junction 6
22657 Strasburg 5
17401 York 4
22630 Front Royal 4
22309 Alexandria 2
25413 Bunker Hill WV 2
22824 Edinburg 1
25402 Martinsburg 1
25420 Gerrardstown, WV 1
26711 Capon Bridge, WV 1
22620 Boyce 1
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The most indicated age group was 25-44, followed by ages 45-59 and ages 60 to 69. These results are shown in Table 3-7.
Table 3-7: Ages of Survey Participants
Answer Choices Responses
Age Percent Number
0-17 0.0% 0
18-24 2.5% 5
25-44 33.3% 66
45-59 28.3% 56
60-69 21.7% 43
70+ 14.1% 28 Answered 198 Skipped 26
Comments
Survey participants were offered an opportunity to provide open-ended comments. Most comments were in support of improving service, while a few were not. Some comments also referenced the need to improve cycling infrastructure. There were several very specific transit requests also. The open-ended
comments are provided in Table 3-8.
Table 3-8: Open-Ended Comments
Comments
I don't understand why the NWCSB moved to Kernstown, where there is no public transportation! There wasn't a direct stop before, but people could get off the bus by the mall and walk the rest of the way. NWCSB is a vital service and it is infuriating that someone high up (governor?) hasn't done anything about this! This problem includes that
there is no public transportation for the 4 substance abuse treatment centers put on 522 toward Front Royal/Stephens City. Two of them are the only methadone clinics in Winchester/Frederick County. Before any of
these facilities were open, public transportation should have been created so people can get help without worrying every day how to get there. This applies to any medical/social/important service locations in our area. People should never be unable to access help due to transportation issues!
Need to get to Front Royal to be able to catch the bus to DC
Glad to see this survey. I believe there is a need in this area.
Access for people who use canes or walkers, who have difficult time using steps to get on bus.
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Comments
Service from Senseny Road area to downtown and Pleasant Valley Rd shopping area
The thought of having more freedom to get on a bus do some shopping or be able to go to a doctor appt without depending on someone to pick me up
I want everyone to have access to transportation, this is important for mental health. We need to be a more welcoming city for everyone
����
Hoping for improved and expanded bicycle routes. It's easier to bike in DC and NYC than in Winchester.
My son has autism and would like to attend community college in Middletown but doesn't drive or have transportation. We need something for people like him and other low-income people to be able to attend college.
Traffic congestion would improve
Elevate traffic on 11 between 3 and 4
Do not waste taxpayer money on this ridiculous nonsense.
More, better and more visible public transportation, more bike lanes too!
I think cycling infrastructure over transit should be improved within Frederick Co. towns.
Should have regular stops, if not already, to major employers in the area.
Public transportation options for lower income households, especially those not living near grocery stores
We really need service to Laurel Ridge! I'd also really like to see commuter service to Ashburn's Silver Line station.
A lot of people in the West Virginia panhandle and Winchester metro area work in northern Virginia and DC. If you provide public transportation, we will use it connect us to the mattress area and we will use it.
Please provide commuter service to Martinsburg
Anything convenient and cost efficient that helps eliminate some of the back-ups that occur frequently in Stephens City at the light. Going to become much worse with the two new huge developments east and north of town limits.
More sidewalks for walking. More bike paths.
It doesn't make sense that a bus doesn't go at least to DMV. It wouldn't need to extend that route very much.
Expanding public transportation is a great idea. I see posts on Facebook all the time for individuals that need rides to work and perhaps expanding the routes could help them.
We need more bus routes throughout the area. Disabled people and senior citizens should ride free, they are on a low fixed income.
I see many WinTran trolleys every day and they are almost always empty or have 1 person on them. I think a more
cost efficient way to serve people who don’t drive or can’t afford to pay for Uber, etc. would be to offer vouchers for Uber, taxis, etc., rather than running a fleet of empty buses.
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Comments
Better drivers. Ones that don't drive over the speed limit
Currently, at age 77 I can drive wherever I need to go but don't know how long that will last. When the time comes, I assume my walking distance will be limited so a pick-up at the door will be important. I am 1 mile from 277 but probably could not walk that far, especially in very cold or hot weather. My closest family are in Front Royal and work full time.
Frederick County has become a commuter city to D.C. and it would be great to have an environmentally friendly way
to bridge the gap between the county and WMATA as well as serving more localized needs
I would seriously love to have better public transportation and if we had good transportation it would also enable
and encourage greater density in the county/city, which would make it more walkable as well :) thank you!
We need public transportation in Frederick County desperately. Traffic is now horrible due to all the new folks moving
here.
It would be helpful to have reduced rates for students and senior citizens.
Improve it, there's a need.
Taxi is currently only option that will pick someone up from their home and return them to their home.
Consider transportation from senior leaving areas to shopping centers or medical areas from Stephens City
Hairdresser and shopping in the Stephen City area
I'm a retired transit planner, have worked at 2 MPO's and two state DOTs. Keep up the good work.
Please tie into other nearby public transportation systems such as ShenGO in Strasburg and Woodstock or Amtrak in Martinsburg. Also please consider that some folks need to use the bus later than 6 because they get off late or have errands in the evening or work night shift, also our tourists would benefit more from longer service hours and
more service on the weekends. I drive but there have been times when I have been in need of public transportation that would go into the county.
There are many developed areas of the county That could use public transportation. I think a Winfred transportation system would really solve a lot of the transportation needs in the area. Especially in areas of the county adjacent to the city. Public transportation in Stephens City would be a game changer. In the future it would be great see Winfred work with metro rail for an extension rail arrive
Need Front Royal to be able to catch the bus
Please bring public transportation to Stephens City. Stickley Drive area!
Improve bus stops along routes
Because of a disability, I may lose my ability to drive. Stephens City, along the rt 277 corridor, is not walkable.
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Stakeholder Interviews
An important task within the study process is soliciting perspectives from local stakeholders. In consultation with the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (NSVRC) a variety of stakeholders were identified, and then were contacted via email to schedule a brief interview. This
outreach was aimed at getting a sense of public transportation challenges and opportunities in the
WinFred MPO area. Representatives from the following organizations and agencies provided their input
through this process:
• Access Independence
• Church World Service
• Frederick County Department of Social Services
• Laurel Ridge Community College
• Northwestern Community Services
• Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center
• Seniors First
• Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter
• Wheels for Wellness (Faith in Action)
The following section provides a summary of the input provided by these stakeholders. The needs discussed are not necessarily in priority order.
On-Demand Service and Rural Service
A representative from Seniors First, the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging, indicated that there is a
need for additional on-demand services in the region. Seniors First provides transportation for seniors
to attend senior centers throughout the region and also operates WellTran, which focuses on providing
primarily medical trips for seniors and people with disabilities. The WellTran program generally operates
at capacity and has had to turn away about 450 trips so far this year.
Seniors First staff indicated that people are living longer and staying in their homes longer, which
typically means they need transportation assistance to access a variety of services needed for daily life.
The population served through Seniors First and WellTran generally needs assistance accessing the vehicle from their homes and would have trouble navigating a fixed route service. Representatives from other stakeholder groups echoed the need for rural services to improve access to employment, grocery shopping, and other necessary activities from areas of the county that do not have sufficient population density to support fixed route options. Staff from the Frederick County Department of Social Services (DSS) indicated that clients who live in the rural areas of Frederick County experience a lack of access to a variety of services, including child
care, grocery stores, and employment. Some of these clients end up moving to Winchester to have
improved access to these services.
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Medical Transportation
Staff from Seniors First indicated that additional options for medical transportation are needed, particularly for populations that are not eligible for Medicaid transportation. Staff from Wheels for
Wellness echoed this need, indicating that dialysis trips comprise a significant number of the trips that
are provided by their volunteer drivers. It was noted that Seniors First is the only provider of medical
trips for people with disabilities, as Wheels for Wellness volunteers are not equipped to handle clients
with disabilities. Wheels for Wellness staff also reported a great need for medical transportation from
the more rural communities in Shenandoah and Warren counties.
The DSS also indicated a need for additional medical transportation options. It was noted that many
providers are using telehealth, and this is not a good fit for seniors who are not able to navigate the
technology associated with telehealth.
Employment Transportation
Staff from the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center (NRADC) indicated that there is a need
for transit connections from the NRADC facility on Fort Collier Road to major employment centers within
five to seven miles of the facility. Many of the inmates participate in a work release program, where they
are employed outside of the facility. They are provided bicycles to use, but some jobs are too far and
some of the roads are not well suited for bicycle commuting. Staff reported that the closest bus stop is
no longer in service, as the Salvation Army on Fort Collier Road is closed.
There are also job opportunities farther north of Winchester in the Clear Brook area, most notably
Amazon. These jobs are typically shift jobs that may have odd hours and need flexible transportation
options.
Access to Education and Training
A representative from Laurel Ridge Community College (LRCC) indicated that a route that originated
east of Winchester in the Route 7 corridor and served LRCC would be helpful for students from the
Millbrook High School area. Service oriented to the needs of students from the James Wood High School
area (northwest of Winchester) to LRCC would also be helpful.
A representative from Church World Service (CWS) indicated that LRCC offers free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. These classes are vital to the refugee clients served by CWS.
Other Transportation
While Seniors First does not serve younger, non-disabled people, staff do see a need for expanded public transportation in areas that are close to Winchester in Frederick County. It was noted that these areas are fast growing and do not currently have any public transportation services.
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NRADC staff also indicated a need for early morning options, reporting that inmates get released at 5:00 a.m. and often do not have transportation options. It was also reported that the probation office
on Route 522 is not served by transit.
Winchester Transit Feedback
Stakeholders gave high marks to the service provided by Winchester Transit. A representative from Access Independence indicated that Sunday service is needed, as well as service to places that are close to
Winchester but outside of the city limits. The LRCC representative noted that they worked with WinTran
to develop a schedule that works for their class blocks for the recently implemented route between the
City of Winchester and LRCC. It was reported that students and employees are using the route. It was also
noted that the current fare-free status of WinTran services is helpful for the riders they serve.
Service in the U.S. Route 11 Corridor
Several stakeholders mentioned the need for service in the U.S. Route 11 corridor, between the City of Winchester, Stephens City, and LRCC. Service in this corridor would be particularly helpful for clients
that attend programs at Northwestern Community Services, which is located along the corridor just
south of Winchester. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is located along this corridor, along with
a number of major employers. Service in the corridor would also help residents of Frederick County and
Stephens City attend LRCC. DSS staff also advocated for service in this corridor, particularly for
employment transportation.
CWS staff also cited a need for public transportation access to the DMV. All the CWS clients need to get
to the DMV to get either a Virginia I.D. or driver’s license if qualified.
Regional Service
A representative from the Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter indicated that an important need in the
Shenandoah Valley is for regional transit services that would connect existing small transit programs
with the major cities in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as with LRCC. Access to Winchester, Front Royal,
and Harrisonburg is needed from the smaller communities and rural areas throughout the region.
Additional rural transit availability is also needed, as well as more options close to the city of Winchester.
A representative from LRCC echoed the need for regional service, as LRCC draws from the City of
Winchester, Frederick County, Warren County, Clarke County, Shenandoah County, and Page County.
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Senseny Road
During the discussion of needs with the study committee, it was noted that there have been requests for transit services to and from Senseny Place, which is located on Senseny Road, just outside the City
of Winchester. Senseny Place is an age and income restricted apartment complex, home to people 55
years of age and older. The need for service to this location was incorporated into the potential service
options (Chapter 4).
Summary
The information gathered from the public surveys and the stakeholders indicates that there is interest
in providing some level of public transportation services in Frederick County and Stephens City, as well
as more regional services. The following areas were discussed the most frequently:
• The U.S. Route 11 Corridor between Winchester, Stephens City, and LRCC
• The urbanized areas close to the City of Winchester
The need for rural services was also mentioned, along with regional services that connect the centers of commerce of the Shenandoah Valley to each other and to the Washington, DC metro area.
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Chapter 4 Existing Services and Potential Alternatives
Introduction
This chapter provides an overview of the public transportation services currently available in the Winchester-Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organization (WinFred MPO) area, followed by the presentation of a range of alternatives to consider for initiating public transportation services where
none currently exist. The chapter also includes a discussion of organizational options and federal
funding issues.
Existing Services
The only public transportation provider in the MPO area is Winchester Transit (WinTran), which is operated by the City of Winchester and primarily serves areas within the City. There are several other transportation services operating in the region and these typically serve particular client groups. Each of the existing services is described below.
WinTran
WinTran operates six fixed routes that primarily serve locations within the City of Winchester; a trolley
route; ADA complementary paratransit in support of the fixed routes; and a new express route that
operates between the City and Laurel Ridge Community College (LRCC). The fixed routes operate
Monday through Saturday on 70-minute headways. On weekdays the service span is from 6:00 a.m. to
7:58 p.m. On Saturdays the span of service is from 8:50 a.m. to 4:58 p.m. Three vehicles are interlined to
provide the core routes, each servicing two routes and meeting at the Boscawen Street transfer station
every 30 to 35 minutes.
WinTran is about to launch a route re-design along with the implementation of microtransit. The start
date for the new route network and microtransit services is March 26th, 2024. The final version of this report will document the new route network.
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The six core city fixed routes are:
1. Amherst Street – Provides service from the Boscawen Street transfer station to the Winchester
Medical Center via Amherst Street.
2. Apple Blossom – Provides a loop route that serves central Winchester, the Apple Blossom Mall
area, Walmart, and Winchester Station.
3. Berryville Avenue – Provides a loop route to the eastern portion of the City, including Jim Barnett
Park.
4. Northside – Provides service to the northside of the City, with two branches – one serving Westminster Canterbury and a second service the Salvation Army and the Northwestern Regional Adult Correctional Facility. 5. South Loudoun – Provides service through the South Loudoun Street corridor from downtown Winchester south to Papermill Road and Shawnee Drive, terminating at NW Works. 6. Valley Avenue – Provides service from downtown Winchester south to Creekside Station via the Valley Avenue corridor.
The trolley route operates Monday-Wednesday-Friday-Saturday between the hours of 10:10 a.m. and 4:34 p.m. on 65-minute headways. The Trolley route is a loop route, serving downtown Winchester, Harvest Drive, Jubal Early Drive, the Apple Blossom Mall, Walmart, and Winchester Station. A map of the fixed routes is provided as Figure 4-1.
WinTran’s LRCC route was initiated in the Spring of 2023. The route operates Monday through Friday
from 7:10 a.m. to 9:10 p.m. Twelve roundtrips are made daily, with 70-minute headways. The LRCC route
makes six stops within the City of Winchester before traveling to LRCC via I-81.
ADA paratransit is providing during the same days and hours as the city’s core fixed routes, as required
by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Fares
The fare to ride WinTran is currently free, courtesy of grant funding from the Virginia Department of
Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). This initiative was implemented during the pandemic. Prior to the
pandemic, the base fare was $1.00 per trip. Students, seniors, individuals with disabilities and Medicare
card holders were eligible for a half-fare.
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Figure 4-1: WinTran’s Fixed Routes
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Fleet and Facilities
WinTran operates out of the City’s Cork Street public works facility. WinTran has its own administrative
and maintenance buildings within the complex. The FY2024 capital budget with DRPT includes a line
item for the construction of a new maintenance facility.
WinTran’s fleet includes ten revenue service vehicles. Peak vehicle requirements are: four fixed route
buses, one trolley, and three demand response vehicles.
Operating Statistics
The operating statistics for WinTran were collected from the National Transit Database and DRPT. This data shows that WinTran has rebounded from the pandemic, with FY2023 ridership higher than it was in FY2019. This trend is due in part to the elimination of the fares. Operating data for the last five years is provided in Table 4-1.
Table 4-1: WinTran’s Operating Trend Data
FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023
Passenger Trips 134,832 120,844 85,334 134,223 180,625
Revenue Hours 17,721 15,681 16,508 17,310 20,219
Revenue Miles 190,391 165,973 175,322 185,257 226,791
Operating Expenses $1,073,175 $1,140,737 $1,206,278 $1,241,800 $1,340,000
Trips/Hour 7.6 7.7 5.2 7.8 8.9
Cost/Hour $60.56 $72.75 $73.07 $71.74 $66.27
Cost/Trip $7.96 $9.44 $14.14 $9.25 $7.42
MPH 10.7 10.6 10.6 10.7 11.2
SOURCE: NATIONAL TRANSIT DATABASE (FY2019-FY2021); DRPT (FY2022-FY2023)
WinTran’s Current Initiatives
Laurel Ridge Community College Route
In the spring of 2023, WinTran initiated a new express route from several stops within the City to Laurel Ridge Community College. This connection has been identified as a need for several years. The route operates Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:10 a.m. and 9:10 p.m. and offers 70-minute headways.
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Microtransit
WinTran has recently completed the “Winchester Microtransit Feasibility Study.” The study examined
how microtransit could be used to improve transit coverage, wait times, and ride times within the city. The results of the study were presented to the Winchester City Council in June 2023, at which time the Council authorized staff to proceed with the implementation of microtransit.1
The recommended plan includes the following:
• Provide microtransit throughout the City.
• Replace the current eight fixed routes with three fixed routes.
• Continue to use the Boscawen Street Transfer Station.
• Integrate microtransit and ADA paratransit.
• Implement the service using the existing fleet. Transition to smaller electric vehicles as the vehicles age.
• Begin charging a fare in FY2025.
Facility
As referenced in WinTran’s FY2024 budget, the City is planning a maintenance facility project.
Other Transportation Providers – Subsidized
Medicaid Transportation
Transportation to medically necessary appointments is a covered service for people who are enrolled in
the Medicaid Program. In Virginia, transportation is available for Medicaid members who participate in
managed health care plans and those who participate in the fee-for-service plan. Transportation is
provided using a brokerage model. The current transportation assistance program is managed and
operated by ModivCare. Member identification cards include phone numbers to call for transportation
services. Medicaid regulations stipulate that the least expensive mode that is appropriate for the trip is
to be used. Modes include public transportation, volunteer drivers, mileage reimbursement, taxis, non-
emergency ambulance, stretcher vans, and accessible vans.
Seniors First
Seniors First, previously known at the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging, provides myriad support
services to enable older adults to continue to live in their own homes. The agency serves the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren, and the city of Winchester. Seniors First operates two primary transportation programs:
1. WellTran
2. Senior Center Transportation
1 City of Winchester, Council Action Memo, June 27, 2023.
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WellTran
The WellTran program provides rides primarily to non-emergency medical appointments for adults
aged 60+ and persons with disabilities who are not Medicaid-eligible. Other trip purposes are also accommodated if possible. Fares are $4.00 per 20-mile round trip, and $0.50 per mile after that. Riders call in advance to reserve rides. WellTran uses the “Simply” scheduling software to assist with scheduling. There are currently ten vehicles available for the WellTran program, many of which were funded through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5310 program. The director of transportation indicated that the program is very busy and has been operating at capacity. For the first nine months of FY2023 (October 1, 2022, through June 2023) the service provided about 4,600 trips and had to deny 444 trips. Staff reported that there are significant unmet transportation needs in the region, especially
for those who are not Medicaid-eligible. Many of the riders use mobility devices and need assistance
when using the service.
Senior Center Transportation
Seniors First provides rides to and from the six senior centers in the region, depending upon the senior’s
distance from the center. Sixteen vehicles are available to provide senior center transportation. The
senior center locations are listed below:
• Clarke County – Clarke County Parks and Recreation Center, 225 Al Smith Circle, Berryville
• Frederick County – United Methodist Church, 5291 Main Street, Stephens City
• Page County – 10 Second Street, Luray
• Shenandoah County – First Baptist Church, 116 Lakeview Drive, Woodstock
• Warren County – 1217 Commonwealth Ave, Front Royal
• Winchester – Winchester Parks and Recreation, 1001 E. Cork Street
For the first nine months of the agency’s fiscal year, about 9,800 trips were provided to and from the region’s senior centers.
Wheels For Wellness
Faith-in-Action, dba Wheels for Wellness (WFW), is a private non-profit agency that provides free
transportation to medical appointments and treatment. The service area includes the City of Winchester
and the counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren, and northern Shenandoah. Transportation is provided by
volunteer drivers using their own vehicles.
The focus of the agency is to serve people who do not qualify for other social service programs, cannot
afford to own a vehicle, or can no longer drive themselves, and/or do not have family or friends available
to give them a ride. WFW service is available Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m.
and 7:00 p.m. WFW clients are required to be ambulatory, as many of the volunteers are senior citizens
who are not able to provide physical assistance.
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WFW employs a part-time Executive Director and a contracted scheduler. The program is funded through grants, fundraising, and donations. There are currently between 23 and 25 active volunteer drivers. The
drivers are not reimbursed for mileage but are provided gas cards when funding is available to do so. The
agency director indicated that the focus of the program will always be on medical transportation, as there
is a significant need for the service. WFW currently provides about 3,000 rides per year.
Other Transportation Providers – Non-Subsidized
There are several other transportation providers in the region that are available for riders who can afford
non-subsidized trips. These are listed below.
Taxicabs
The following taxis are listed under the Yellow Pages for Winchester:
• Ask 4 JR Taxi and Limo
• Old Towne Taxi
• Pat’s Cab
• Polly’s Cab
• Taxi Hidalgo
• Taxi Latino
• Uncle Sam Transportation
• Yellow Cab of Winchester
Other Services
• Uber and Lyft
• Patient Care Transportation
Potential Service Alternatives for the MPO Area
Using the information gathered from the community (Chapter 3), coupled with the details regarding
existing transportation services in the region, the study team has developed some potential alternatives
to consider for improving public transportation in the MPO region. These alternatives were updated in
January 2024 to reflect committee input.
While most stakeholders indicated that there are extensive unmet transportation needs in the region, the initial focus of the alternatives was to start with a program that would serve the needs of residents of the Stephens City area. This area was chosen for two reasons:
• The Town is interested in pursuing the development of public transportation services to provide improved mobility for residents, and
• There are pockets of population density in the Stephens City area, particularly those areas east of
I-81 that could likely support deviated fixed route transit service.
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Representatives from the Town indicated that the most important connections would be those that connect residents to important destinations needed for daily life (groceries, medical offices, jobs), as
well as providing a connection to the City of Winchester. The first three alternatives address the need
to provide transportation in the Route 11 corridor and for residents of the Stephens City area.
Feedback from the study committee indicated that additional corridors should be studied more closely
to see what type of alternatives may be appropriate. The study team added a fourth route alternative
that addresses the Senseny Road – Valley Mill Road area.
Alternative #1 – Deviated Fixed Route Service: Stephens City –
Winchester
The first alternative focuses on meeting the needs articulated by the Town of Stephens City. This alternative features a route deviation service that connects the City of Winchester’s Boscawen Street
Transfer site to Stephens City, and then travels east along Fairfax Pike to serve more local destinations.
Deviations would be permitted up to ½ mile for two reasons: 1) to expand the reach of the service; and
2) so that the route can be classified as demand response and not include the requirement to provide
a parallel ADA complementary paratransit service.
The route as drawn is about 22 miles round-trip, which would likely mean that one bus could provide
90-minute headways and two buses could provide 45-minute headways. The route could be operated
by WinTran, or it could be operated under contract by a private operator.
Note that once the demonstration period has ended (assuming that a demonstration grant would be the initial primary funding source) there may be some regulatory challenges to work through for accessing federal funds for the route. Most of the route is within the Winchester-Frederick County Urbanized Area, which receives federal funding for transit under the FTA’s Section 5307 Urbanized Area Funding program. The City of Winchester is the designated recipient of these funds. It is possible for the funds to be split within an urbanized area, and this would have to be negotiated. It should be noted that the route would serve the Valley Avenue and Valley Pike corridor, a portion of which is within the City of Winchester. A map of the proposed route is provided in Figure 4-2 and the potential impacts of the route are presented in Table 4-2.
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Figure 4-2: Winchester-Stephens City Proposed Route
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Table 4-2: Potential Impacts of Stephens City – Winchester Route
Advantages Disadvantages
• Provides mobility for Stephens City residents,
Winchester residents, and Frederick County
residents who live in the corridor served.
• Provides needed connections to Northwestern
Community Services and the DMV.
• Complements WinTran’s proposed service changes that would eliminate fixed route service on a portion of Valley Avenue that currently has service.
• Addresses needs that have been articulated by stakeholders and the public.
• Provides a pilot opportunity to address regional transportation in the WinFred MPO area.
• The only disadvantage is cost.
Cost Estimate • Ridership Impacts
• For a Monday – Friday service that operated from
6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. the total annual operating
cost is estimated to be $265,200 for one vehicle in
operation and $530,400 for two vehicles in
operation.
• These costs could be subsidized as follows:
Demonstration Grant
• $265,200 total - $212,160 state; $53,040 local
• $530,400 total - $424,320 state; $106,080 local
• For a one-vehicle operation - Local split two ways: $26,520 each; Local split three ways: $17,680 each
• For a two-vehicle operation - Local split two ways: $53,040 each; Local split three ways: $35,360 each
• This route is likely to be able to achieve
between four and five passenger trips per
revenue hour.
• This equates to between about 15,000
annual passenger trips for a one vehicle system and about 30,000 annual passenger trips for a two-vehicle system.
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Traditional Grant
• $265,200 total - $132,600 federal; $66,300 state; $66,300 local
• For a one-vehicle operation - Local split two ways: $33,150 each; Local split three ways: $22,100 each
• For a two-vehicle operation -
o $530,400 total - $265,200 federal;
$132,600 state;
o $132,600 local
• Local split two ways: $66,300 each.
• Local split three ways: $44,200 each.
• These funding scenarios do not include potential
fare revenue or advertising revenue, which could
serve to reduce the total deficit.
• Local funding participants could include the City
of Winchester, Frederick County, the Town of
Stephens City, and potential business partners. Vehicles and Capital
• Vehicles could be included within an operating contract, or vehicles could be purchased/leased.
• Vehicles are about $175,000 each, with up to 96% federal and state subsidy typically available.
• Bus stop signs and infrastructure would also be needed in the corridor.
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Alternative #2 – Deviated Fixed Route from Stephens City to
Laurel Ridge Community College
A possible second route or route segment could be provided from the Stephens City Town Offices to Laurel Ridge Community College. This segment could be offered in addition to the Stephens City – Winchester route or as an alternating leg with either the eastern section of the route that serves areas east of I-81 or the northern section that serves Winchester. This route is relatively short, with a round trip mileage of nine miles. A map of the route is provided in Figure 4-3.
This route extension includes only a small portion of the Winchester-Frederick County Urbanized area
(the Stephens City area), so most of this route segment is within a rural area and could be eligible for
FTA Section 5311 rural area funds through DRPT after any potential demonstration funding is depleted.
The potential impacts of this route are outlined in Table 4-3.
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Figure 4-3: Deviated Fixed Route between Stephens City and LRCC
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Table 4-3: Potential Impacts of a Stephens City – LRCC Route
Advantages Disadvantages
• Provides access to LRCC for people who live in the
Stephens City area.
• Addresses needs that have been articulated by
stakeholders and the public.
• Serves a portion of the Route 11 Corridor in Frederick County.
• May not be sustainable as a stand-alone
route but could work in conjunction with
segments to Winchester and to the east
along Fairfax Pike.
Cost Estimate • Ridership Impacts
• If the schedule for this route were to be 7:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m., M-F, the total annual vehicle hours would be about 2,805. This would equate to an annual operating cost of about $224,400. Demonstration Grant
• $224,400 total - $179,520 state; $44,880 local
• Local split two ways: $22,440 Traditional Grant
• $224,400 total - $112,200 federal; $56,100 state; $56,100 local
• Local split two ways: $28,050 These funding scenarios do not include potential fare revenue or advertising revenue, which could serve to
reduce the total deficit. Local funding participants could
include Frederick County, Town of Stephens City, LRCC,
and local business partners.
Vehicles and Capital
• A vehicle could be included within an operating
contract, or a vehicle could be purchased/leased.
• Vehicles are about $175,000 each, with up to 96%
federal and state subsidy typically available.
• Bus stop signs and infrastructure would also be
required.
• As a stand-alone route, the ridership is expected to be relatively low, as there is not a major population base on the western side of I-81.
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Alternative #3 – Blended Option of #1 and #2
A third option that could be considered to improve service in the MPO region would be to develop a
blend of the first two alternatives. This option would include one route that operated like Alternative #1,
providing service between Winchester and the Sherando area. The second route would provide service
between LRCC and the Sherando area. This scenario would include one vehicle on each route. The corridor
between the Stephens City Town Offices and the Sherando area would have the highest level of service,
with lower frequencies between Stephens City and Winchester and between Stephens City and LRCC. The
impacts of this option are outlined in Table 4-4 and the map is provided as Figure 4-4.
Table 4-4: Blended Service Option – Potential Impacts
Advantages Disadvantages
• Provides mobility for Stephens City residents, Winchester residents, and Frederick County residents who live in the corridors served.
• Provides needed connections to Northwestern
Community Services and the DMV.
• Provides linkages to LRCC from the Stephens City
Area – both from the Town and from the Sherando
area.
• Provides a relatively high level of service between
the Stephens City Town Offices and the Sherando
area.
• Complements WinTran’s proposed service changes
that would eliminate fixed route service on a portion of Valley Avenue that currently has service.
• Addresses needs that have been articulated by stakeholders and the public.
• Provides a pilot opportunity to address regional transportation in the WinFred MPO area.
• Provides a relatively low frequency of service in between Winchester and Stephens City.
• Provides a relatively low frequency of
service to LRCC.
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Cost Estimate • Ridership Impacts
• For a Monday – Friday service that operated from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. the total annual operating cost is estimated to be $530,400 for two vehicles in
operation.
• These costs could be subsidized as follows:
Demonstration Grant
• $530,400 total - $424,320 state; $106,080 local
• Local split two ways: $53,040 each
• Local split three ways: $35,360 each
Traditional Grant
• $530,400 total - $265,200 federal; $132,600 state.
o $132,600 local
• Local split two ways: $66,300 each.
• Local split three ways: $44,200 each.
These funding scenarios do not include potential fare
revenue or advertising revenue, which could serve to reduce the total deficit. Local funding participants could include the City of Winchester, Frederick County, the Town of Stephens City, LRCC, and local business partners. Vehicles and Capital
• Vehicles could be included within an operating contract, or vehicles could be purchased/leased.
• Vehicles are about $175,000 each, with up to 96% federal and state subsidy typically available.
• Bus stop signs and infrastructure would also be required in the corridors.
• The combined service is estimated to achieve about 22,000 annual passenger trips. The leg between Sherando and Winchester is likely to have higher productivity than the leg between Sherando and LRCC.
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Figure 4-4: Blended Service Option
[Grab your
Area
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Alternative #4 – Deviated Fixed Route from Boscawen Street
Transfer Stop to Berryville Road via Senseny Road and Valley
Mill Road
Upon presentation of the alternatives to the study committee, a committee member indicated that the County had received a request for service from Senseny Place, which is a 55+ apartment community
located at 1527 Senseny Road. The concept for this route is to develop a fixed route or deviated fixed
route that travels east along Cork Street through the City of Winchester, and then into the County along
Senseny Road. The route would then travel north along Greenwood Road, west along Valley Mill Road,
and then turn right onto Berryville Pike and left into Regency Lakes, then serve the Winchester Gateway
shopping center. The route would make a return trip following the same route. With a round-trip route
length of about 12 miles, one vehicle could provide hourly headways. The proposed route is shown in
Figure 3-5. It does not include the deviation buffer, pending discussion.
In addition to Senseny Place, this route would serve several multi-family communities near Senseny Road and along Valley Mill Road as well as Daniel Morgan Middle School and the Senseny Road School, and the Regency Lakes community. The route would provide connections to grocery stores, pharmacies, downtown Winchester, and the WinTran route network. The potential impacts of this route are outlined in Table 4-5.
Table 4-5: Senseny Road – Valley Mill Road Potential Impacts
Advantages Disadvantages
• Provides mobility for city and county residents living
in the corridor, offering access to shopping as well as the full WinTran route network.
• There is likely sufficient population density through
the corridor served to offer either a fixed route or a
deviated fixed route.
• Provides hourly, bi-directional service through the
corridor.
• Addresses a need that has been articulated by
stakeholders and the public.
• Provides a pilot opportunity to address regional
transportation in the WinFred MPO area.
• The only disadvantage is cost.
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Cost Estimate • Ridership Impacts
• If the schedule for this route were to be 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., M-F, the total annual vehicle hours would be about 3,315. This would equate to an annual
operating cost of about $265,200. Demonstration Grant
• $265,200 total - $212,160 state; $53,040 local
• Local split two ways: $26,520
Traditional Grant
• $265,200 total - $132,600 federal; $66,300 state;
$66,300 local
• Local split two ways: $33,150
• These funding scenarios do not include potential
fare revenue or advertising revenue, which could
serve to reduce the total deficit. Local funding
participants could include Frederick County, the City
of Winchester, and local business partners.
Vehicles and Capital
• A vehicle could be included within an operating contract, or a vehicle could be purchased/leased.
• Vehicles are about $175,000 each, with up to 96% federal and state subsidy typically available.
• Bus stop signs and infrastructure would also be required.
• This route is likely to be able to achieve between four and five passenger trips per revenue hour.
• This equates to between about 15,000 annual passenger trips for a one vehicle
system.
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Figure 4-5: Winchester- Senseny Road – Valley Mill Road – Regency Lakes – Winchester Gateway
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Alternative #5 – Microtransit Service for other Areas
Microtransit is a demand response service that typically uses smaller vehicles and mobile technology to
provide dynamic routing and curb-to-curb or corner-to-corner service. Customers can use a
smartphone application (app) to schedule and pay for a ride within a specific geofenced zone. Public
transportation agencies that have implemented microtransit also typically have telephone scheduling
options for those riders who do not have smart phones.
The most logical application for microtransit service in the WinFred MPO area would be to use it to extend the reach of the current WinTran service into areas of Frederick County adjacent to the City, as well as for well-defined, compact service areas.
Some specific areas include the industrial areas north of the City of Winchester, the areas southeast of Winchester in the U.S. Route 50/17 corridor and the U.S. 522 corridor. The goal would be to target
particular areas where demand is likely (such as: NWRDC to local industries; locations within Winchester
to the Department of Parole and Probation). The key to success for microtransit is to design zones that
are large enough to include both origins and destinations, yet small enough so that the service is timely.
Note that federal Section 5307 Urbanized Area funding for any new service within the Winchester-
Frederick County Urbanized Area would have to be negotiated with the City of Winchester.
As previously discussed, WinTran is in the process of implementing microtransit as an integral part of
their transit program. WinTran’s pilot program will provide a good test case of how microtransit could
potentially work in the WinFred MPO area and the zones could potentially include some areas of
Frederick County.
The cost structure for microtransit is like demand-response service, with the additional start-up expense
of the phone-based application that is used by customers to schedule trips. Productivity for microtransit
services is also like that of demand-response service (typically a low of 1-2 passengers per hour to a
high of 5-6 passengers per hour). For example, WinTran’s FY2023 demand response productivity was
1.97 passenger trips per revenue hour and the fixed route productivity was 12.13 passenger trips per
revenue hour.2 The potential impacts of implementing a microtransit program in the MPO area are
outlined in Table 4-6.
2 DRPT Website, Data Portal, Transit Performance Data, viewed 10/18/2023.
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Table 4-6: Potential Impacts of Microtransit Service
Advantages Disadvantages
• Offers a flexible option to serve areas that may not have sufficient demand for fixed route service.
• Responds to the opinions offered on the public
survey, which indicated that fixed route and
microtransit were the top two desired modes.
• Complements the planned WinTran microtransit
program.
• Limited in the number of passengers that can be served.
• Relatively high cost per trip due to
productivity constraints.
• Requires that passengers either use an app or phone ahead for service.
Cost Estimates • Ridership Impacts
• If microtransit were to be offered Monday through
Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the range of
service hours would be as follows: 1 vehicle – 3,315
annual hours; 2 vehicles – 6,630 annual hours; and
3 vehicles – 9,945 annual hours.
• The annual operating costs would range from
about $232,050 to $696,150.
• The start-up expense for the application is
estimated to be about $200,000.
The operating costs could be subsidized as follows:
Demonstration Grant
• Low - $232,050 total - $185,640 state; $46,410 local
• Local split two ways: $23,205
• High - $696,150 total - $556,920 state; $139,230
local
• Local split two ways: $69,615
Traditional Grant
• Low - $232,050 total - $116,025 federal; $58,013 state; $58,013 local
• Local split two ways: $29,006 each.
• High - $696,150 total - $348,075 federal; $174,038 state; $174,038 local
These funding scenarios do not include potential fare
revenue or advertising revenue, which could serve to
reduce the total deficit. Local funding participants could
include the City of Winchester, Frederick County, and
local business partners.
• Depending upon where the service is
provided, microtransit could provide
between two and four passenger trips per
revenue hour. This would equate to
between about 9,945 trips for a one-vehicle
operation to 29,835 trips for a three-vehicle
operation.
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Vehicles and Capital
• Note that vehicles could be included within an operating contract, or vehicles could be purchased/leased.
• Vehicles for microtransit are about $90,000 each, with up to 96% federal and state subsidy typically
available.
• As a demand-response service, bus stop infrastructure is not required, but could be implemented to signify pick-up locations.
Organizational Options
If public transportation options are to be implemented in the MPO area, it is vital that a local entity
serve as the lead agency to build consensus for the services, establish local funding commitments, and perform grant administration and oversight functions. The following potential options are described in this section:
• City of Winchester as the lead agency
• Frederick County or the Town of Stephens City as the lead agency
• Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission as lead agency
• Development of a multi-jurisdictional transit organization
City of Winchester
If there is interest from the City and staff availability, the most obvious short-term choice to oversee any
new services in the MPO region would be the City of Winchester. As outlined within the service
alternatives, the proposed Route 11 corridor service provides service within the city, as well as to areas
outside the city that may be of interest to city residents.
The City of Winchester is the current designated recipient for the FTA’s Section 5307 Urbanized Area
funding program. These funds help support public transportation services in the Winchester-Frederick
County urbanized area, with a local match ratio of up to 50% for operating expenses and up to 80% for
capital expenses (which includes ADA paratransit and preventive maintenance). While service is only
currently available primarily within the City, any public transit services operated within the urbanized area would be eligible for assistance through the program, up to the designated award amount for the urbanized area.
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If the City were to take on the responsibility of serving as the lead agency, there would need to be some agreements among the local partners with regard to funding the local match portion of the annual
operating expenses. The advantages and disadvantages of the City serving as the lead agency are
outlined in Table 4-7.
Table 4-7: Advantages and Disadvantages for City of Winchester Serving as Lead
Agency
Advantages Disadvantages
• The City is the established transit provider in the area and is familiar with DRPT and FTA grant and oversight requirements.
• Any new services provided outside of the City
could be seamlessly coordinated with current
WinTran services if the City operated the MPO
services also.
• City participation may be the only way that FTA
S.5307 funds could be accessed unless a split
arrangement could be negotiated with another
agency.
• There is precedent for WinTran to serve outside of
the City with its route to LRCC.
• Easy to implement, requiring only an inter-governmental agreement to expand the base of service into Frederick County.
• It may be beyond the City’s mission to serve as lead agency for MPO area transit
services.
• May not be an effective structure to
address rural public transportation needs.
• Does not create ownership of the program
for the County or for Stephens City.
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Frederick County or Stephens City
Either Frederick County or the Town of Stephens City could serve as the lead agency for transit services
in the MPO region. Both entities are eligible to be subrecipients of federal and state funding for public
transportation services, though neither currently has experience administering federal or state transit
grants. Under this scenario, it would be likely that a contractor would be hired to run the service. There
could also be an intergovernmental agreement whereby the County or Stephens City administers the
program, but the City of Winchester operates the service. The advantages and disadvantages of either
the County or Stephens City serving as the lead agency are outlined in Table 4-8.
Table 4-8: Advantages and Disadvantages for either Frederick County or the Town of
Stephens City Serving as Lead Agency
Advantages Disadvantages
• The primary areas of unmet need are in
Frederick County so it may make sense
for the County to serve as the lead
agency.
• The Town of Stephens City has shown the most interest in developing a new public transportation service to serve its residents.
• Having the County or the Town as the lead agency would create ownership of the program.
• A split letter would be needed to access S.
5307 funding.
• For Stephens City as lead – would constrain future growth of program to areas outside of Stephens City.
• For Frederick County as lead – the County has not shown interest in serving as a lead agency for public transportation.
• Neither entity has experience managing FTA or DRPT grants.
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Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission
The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (NSVRC) is also eligible to receive federal and
state funding for public transportation services. NSVRC recently served in this capacity to assist in the
development of ShenGO, the relatively new public transportation service in Shenandoah County. Under
this arrangement, a contractor would be hired to run the service. There could also be an
intergovernmental agreement whereby the NSVRC administers the program, but the City of Winchester
operates the service. The advantages and disadvantages of NSVRC serving as the lead agency are
outlined in Table 4-9.
Table 4-9: Advantages and Disadvantages for the NSVRC serving as Lead Agency
Advantages Disadvantages
• The NSVRC has experience managing FTA and DRPT grants.
• The NSVRC has been successful in administering a DRPT demonstration
grant for Shenandoah County.
• The NSVRC is a regional entity with
impartiality to its members.
• Oversight by a regional entity may lay
the foundation for a future regional
system.
• A split letter would be needed to access S. 5307 funding.
• The individual jurisdictions may not feel
ownership of the program.
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Development of a Regional Transit Entity
Ultimately a regional transit entity is likely to be the most effective structure for providing regional
transportation services in the MPO area and potentially to a broader area. The regional transit authority
model has worked well in the Williamsburg area, which formed a transit authority in 2008 that is
currently comprised of James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg. The creation of a
regional transportation authority (RTA) would require a strong regional consensus and subsequent
enabling legislation. Many aspects related to the formation of an RTA would need to be considered and
determined, including the role and structure of a governing board. RTA members could include the City of Winchester, Frederick County, and the Town of Stephens City to start. Table 4-10 provides an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of forming an RTA in the region.
Table 4-10: Advantages and Disadvantages of Creating an RTA
Advantages Disadvantages
• Provides the ability to develop a dedicated funding source.
• Seamless transit services could be
provided.
• Would create an entity completely
focused on public transportation, with
ownership from member jurisdictions.
• Would be able to effectively address
both urban and non-urban public
transportation needs.
• Would allow for S.5307 funding to be used in the MPO area if the regional authority became the designated recipient.
• Requires legislation to be enacted by the Virginia General Assembly.
• Creates a new entity that will have a
variety of administrative and financial
needs that are currently provided by the
City (i.e., accounting, legal, cash flow
management, human resources, risk
management, insurance, etc.).
• Jurisdictions may feel loss of local
autonomy.
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Federal and State Funding Discussion
In order for any public transportation option to be financially viable, it will be necessary to access formula-based grant assistance from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. FTA formula grant assistance for urban areas is funded
through the Section 5307 program and formula grant assistance for rural areas is funded through the
Section 5311 program. Funds from the Section 5307 program are typically administered directly through
the FTA, while the rural funds are administered through DRPT.
Services in the WinFred MPO area that primarily serve the urbanized area are only eligible to receive
federal public transportation formula funding through the Section 5307 program. The City of Winchester
is the designated recipient for these funds. Any expansion outside of the city but within the urbanized
area would need to negotiate with the city for a portion of these funds. It should be noted that the
population of the urbanized area, including areas within Frederick County, is a major factor in the
formula used to determine the level of financial assistance provided for the urbanized area.
Services that primarily serve rural areas are eligible for funding assistance under the Section 5311 formula program. These funds flow from the FTA to DRPT based on a legislative formula that includes land area, population, revenue vehicle miles, and low-income population in rural areas.3 DRPT can allocate these funds at their discretion, as long as the funds are used to provide rural public transportation services. There is also a set-aside for intercity bus services, which DPRT uses to help fund the Virginia Breeze service. Federal matching ratios for both Section 5307 and Section 5311 are: 80% federal match for capital and 50% federal match for operating (for small-urban areas). There are some nuances to the capital match,
including provisions for preventive maintenance and ADA paratransit to be funded at the 80% level.
DRPT also has a demonstration program so that communities who are looking to test a public
transportation pilot program can do so. The demonstration program uses state funds, with a matching
ratio of 80% state funding and 20% local funding. Communities can apply for these funds during the
annual DRPT grant cycle. A feasibility study is usually required and there needs to be a plan in place to
fund service once the demonstration period has ended (typically about two years).
3 Federal Transit Administration Website. Viewed 3/30/2024.
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Summary
The review of existing public transportation services in the MPO area revealed that public transportation is available within the City of Winchester and that particular client groups in other parts of the MPO area have access to limited services targeted to medical transportation. There are limited public
transportation options outside of the City of Winchester currently.
The alternatives developed focus on providing public transportation options so that Stephens City area
residents have access to activities of daily life, as well as access to the City of Winchester and potentially
LRCC. A second fixed or deviated fixed route was developed to serve the Senseny Road – Valley Mill
Road area east of Winchester. A microtransit service alternative was also developed and is considered
as a future endeavor pending the results of how the service works within the City of Winchester.
It is acknowledged that there are additional unmet needs in the MPO area and that these alternatives
serve as a starting point for addressing them. Table 4-11 provides a summary of the service options
developed for review. Organizational options and funding issues have also been discussed.
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Table 4-11: Summary of Service Alternatives
Service and Capital Improvement Proposals
Total Annual
Operating Costs - FY23 Dollars
Total Annual
Local Funding Required- Demo
Total Annual Local
Funding Required- Traditional
Vehicles and Other Capital Start-Up App
Capital Cost
Estimated Local Share
Alternative #1 - Stephens City-Winchester - 1 vehicle $265,200 $53,040 $66,300 $195,000 $7,800
Alternative #1 - Stephens City-
Winchester 2 vehicles $530,400 $106,080 $132,600 $370,000 $14,800
Alternative #2 - Stephens City - LRCC 1 vehicle $224,400 $44,880 $56,100 $185,000 $7,400
Alternative #3- Blended- Winchester-SC-LRCC - 2 vehicles $530,400 $106,080 $132,600 $380,000 $15,200
Alternative #4 - Senseny Road - Valley Mill - 1 vehicle $265,200 $53,040 $66,300 $195,000 $7,800
Alternative #5 - Microtransit - 1 vehicle $232,050 $46,410 $58,013 $90,000 $200,000 $11,600
Alternative #5 - Microtransit - 2 vehicles $464,100 $92,820 $116,025 $180,000 $200,000 $15,200
Alternative #5 - Microtransit - 3 vehicles $696,150 $139,230 $174,038 $270,000 $200,000 $18,800
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Chapter 5: Implementation Plan
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Chapter 5
Implementation Plan
Introduction
After several months of discussion regarding the options proposed in Chapter 4, it became apparent
that buy-in for the implementation of transit services from local political leaders will be needed in order
to move forward. A basic implementation plan is presented within this chapter, and it focuses on starting
with a small pilot program in collaboration with the City of Winchester, and building from there as
political support and consensus grows.
Working with the City will be essential, as the City is the designated recipient of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula funding. This federal funding is intended to support public transportation services within the Winchester Urban area.
Phase 1 – Microtransit
A microtransit pilot project is recommended for the first phase of transit service provision in selected
areas of the urbanized area of Frederick County. This program would build on the microtransit program
that Winchester Transit is currently implementing - WInReady. The concept is to expand the City’s microtransit zones to key origins and destinations that are close to the City of Winchester. These areas could include the following:
• An area south of the City of Winchester along Route 11, to serve the Department of Motor Vehicles, Northwestern Community Services, and the Kernstown Commons area and potentially south to Stephens City.
• Senseny Road to Senseny Place.
• The Fort Collier Road area, serving the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center to major
employers north of the City.
• The Parole and Probation office, which is located in the 522 South Corridor, less than one mile from
the city border.
Under this concept the County would pay the local share for the operation of one to two additional
microtransit vehicles to be added to the city’s service. It is envisioned that the services would be
integrated with the WinReady service.
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Estimated Ridership
Ridership levels on microtransit are limited by the ability of the vehicles to get from point A to point B
and back in a timely manner. The productivity of the service is that of demand-response, which is heavily
dependent upon how close the origins and destinations are to one another and how many riders can
be grouped together. A highly productive demand response service could achieve a high of five to six
trips per revenue hour, while a typical service sees closer to two to three trips per revenue hour. Given
the likeliness of larger zones outside of the city, productivity would likely be on the lower end. A ballpark
estimate of two passenger trips per revenue hour would result in about 6,030 passenger trips per year per vehicle.
Expenses and Funding
Operating
The fully- allocated cost to operate one vehicle, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. is approximately $265,000 annually. This is based on 3,315 annual revenue hours at $80 per revenue hour.
Two vehicles would be twice that amount, or about $530,000 annually.
Assuming that the service would be funded through the Federal Section 5307 program and state
operating assistance, the federal, state, and local amounts are estimated in Table 5-1. These estimates
use the typical funding ratios for federal and state funding. Note that it is not a given that these funds
will be available. Note that the local match could come from the County, as well as from local funding
partners such as major employers.
Table 5-1: Estimated Operating Expenses for Microtransit
Operating Expenses Estimated Fares Net Deficit Federal State Local
One Vehicle $265,200 $13,260 $251,940 $125,970 $62,985 $31,493
Two Vehicles $530,400 $26,520 $503,880 $251,940 $125,970 $62,985
Capital
It is anticipated that small accessible transit vehicles would be used for this service. These vehicles are
currently about $130,000 each, depending upon the options chosen. Capital funding through the
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is typically available at the following match
ratio: 80% federal; 16% state; 4% local. Using this traditional formula, the local match for two vehicles would be $10,400, assuming federal and state funds were to be available.
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Future Services
As documented in this study, as well as in the 2009 Transit Feasibility Study, there is likely to be demand for transit services in several corridors that extend out from the City of Winchester and into Frederick County. Once a base level of demand is established through the microtransit program, high demand
corridors could be shifted to fixed route or deviated fixed route services to accommodate more riders.
The number one corridor, as indicated through this study process, was for service from Winchester
through Stephens City, and on to Laurel Ridge Community College. The alternatives discussed in
Chapter 4 also brought the route east of Stephens City to serve the shopping and housing areas in
Frederick County, east of Stephens City.
Another important transit corridor exists east of Winchester, along Senseny Road, Valley Mill Road, and
Berryville Road. A route to address these areas is also described in Chapter 4.
During the study process, the team also heard that there is a need for additional rural transit services,
which are more suited for a demand-response or microtransit service model.
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Appendix A: Trip Generators
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Appendix A
Trip Generators
Human Service Agency Destinations Address City Zip
Rouss City Hall 15 N Cameron St Winchester 22601
Top of Virginia Chamber of Commerce 509 Airport Road Ste 200 Winchester 22602 Frederick County Economic Development
Commission 45 E Boscawen St Winchester 22601
Access Independence 324 Hope Dr Winchester 22601 Adult Care Center of the Northern Shenandoah Valley 411 N. Cameron St, Suite 100 Winchester 22601
AIDS Response Effort, Inc. 124 W Piccadilly St Winchester 22601 The Arc of Northern Shenandoah Valley 324 Hope Dr Winchester 22601 Blue Ridge Hospice 333 W Cork St Winchester 22601
Blue Ridge Legal Services 303 S Loudoun St Winchester 22601 C-CAP 112 S Kent St Winchester 22601 Child Support District Office 629 Cedar Creek Grade, Suite A Winchester 22601 Concern Hotline, Inc. 301 N Cameron St Winchester 22601 Council on Alcoholism Lord Fairfax Community Inc. 512 S Braddock St Winchester 22601
Department of Rehabilitative Services 20 Ricketts Dr Winchester 22601 Faith in Action-Winchester/Frederick/Clarke 301 N Cameron St Winchester 22601 Frederick County Department of Social Services 107 N. Kent St. Winchester 22601
Frederick County Senior Center 5291 Main St Stephens City 22655
Goodwill Winchester 2592 Valley Ave Winchester 22601 Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity 400 Battaile Dr Winchester 22601
Healthy Families Northern Shenandoah Valley 301 N Cameron St Winchester 22601 Hispanic Ministries 102 Montague Ave Winchester 22601 The Laurel Center--The Shelter for Abused Women PO Box 14 Winchester 22604
Literacy Volunteers-Winchester Area 301 N Cameron St Winchester 22601 Northwestern Community Services 170 Prosperity Dr Winchester 22602 NW Works, Inc. 3085 Shawnee Dr Winchester 22601 Our Health, Inc. 329 N Cameron St Winchester 22601
Outreach to Asian Nationals 261 Bethany Hill Dr Winchester 22603 The Salvation Army (Emergency Shelter) 300 Fort Collier Rd Winchester 22601 Union Rescue Mission of Winchester 435 N Cameron St Winchester 22601 United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley 329 N Cameron St Winchester 22601 Valley Health 1840 Amherst St Winchester 22601
Winchester Senior Center 1001 E Cork St Winchester 22601 Winchester/Frederick County Red Cross 561 Fortress Dr Winchester 22601 Winchester VEC Field Office 419 N Cameron St Winchester 22602 Winchester Social Services Department 24 Baker St Winchester 22601
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Major Medical Destinations Address City Zip
Acare Medical Center 3046 Valley Ave #100 Winchester 22601 Behavioral Resources, PLC 134 W Picadilly St Winchester 22601 First Choice Medical Clinic 1804 Plaza Dr Winchester 22601 Free Medical Clinic of Northern Shenandoah Valley 301 N Cameron St Winchester 22601
Omega Medical 840 N Kent St # 7 Winchester 22601 Privia Medical Group 1104 Amherst St STE 200 Winchester 22601 Selma Medical Associates 104 Selma Dr Winchester 22601 Sinclair Health Clinic 301 N Cameron St #100 Winchester 22601
Stephens City Family Medicine 160 Warrior Dr Stephens City 22655
VA Clinic 20 South Stewart Street Winchester 22601
Valley Health Urgent Care 607 E Jubal Early Dr Winchester 22601 Valley Health Urgent Care Rutherford Crossing 160 Merchant St. Winchester 22603 Valley Health Winchester Medical Center 1840 Amherst St. Winchester 22601 Winchester Family Health Center 1440 Amherst St Winchester 22601 Winchester Family Health Center 611 E. Jubal Early Dr Winchester 22601
Employment Destinations Address City Zip
Amazon 281 Woodbine Rd Clear Brook 22624 American Woodmark Corporation 561 Shady Elm Rd Winchester 22602
Annandale Millwork Corporation 220 Arbor Ct #4534 Winchester 22602 Army Corps of Engineers 201 Prince Frederick Dr Winchester 22602 City of Winchester 15 North Cameron Street Winchester 22601 Continental 1944 Valley Ave Winchester 22601 Costco 251 Front Royal Pike Winchester 22602 County of Frederick 107 N Kent St Winchester 22601 FBI 57 Cedar Creek Grade B Winchester 22601
FBI Central Records Complex 200 Constitution Dr Winchester 22602 FEMA 430 Market St Winchester 22603 Frederick Co Public Schools 1415 Amherst Street Winchester 22601 Grafton School, Inc. P.O. Box 2500 Winchester 22604 HP Hood 160 Hood Wy Winchester 22602
Kohl's Department Stores 2194 S Pleasant Valley Rd Winchester 22601 Kraft Heinz Company 220 Park Center Dr Winchester 22603 Laurel Ridge Community College 173 Skirmisher Ln Middletown 22645 Lowes' Home Centers, Inc. 2200 S Pleasant Valley Rd Winchester 22601 Martin's Food Market 400 Gateway Dr Winchester 22603 McKesson 4027 Martinsburg Pike Clear Brook 22624 Metromont Corporation 219 Stine Ln Winchester 22603
Monoflo 882 Baker Ln Winchester 22603 Navy Federal Credit Union 141 Security Drive Winchester 22601 Newell Brands Industries 3124 Valley Ave Winchester 22601
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Employment Destinations Address City Zip
Shenandoah University 1460 University Dr Winchester 22601 Target Corp 191 Market St Winchester 22603 The Home Depot 2350 Legge Blvd Winchester 22601 Thermo Fisher Scientific 8365 Valley Pike Middletown 22645
Trex 3229 Shawnee Dr Winchester 22602 Valley Health System 1840 Amherst St Winchester 22601 Walmart 2350 S Pleasant Valley Rd Winchester 22601
Westminster Canterbury 300 Westminster Canterbury Dr Winchester 22603
Winchester City Public Schools 598 N. Kent Street Winchester 22601
Education Destinations Address City Zip
Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle 134 Rosa Lane Winchester 22602
Daniel Morgan Middle School 48 S Purcell Ave Winchester 22601 Dowell J. Howard Center 156 Dowell J Circle Winchester 22602 Frederick County Middle School 4661 N Frederick Pike Winchester 22601 Grafton School 120 Bellview Avenue Winchester 22601 James Wood High 161 Apple Pie Ridge Road Winchester 22603 James Wood Middle School 1313 Amherst St Winchester 22601 John Handley High School 425 Handley Blvd Winchester 22604
Laurel Ridge Community College 173 Skirmisher Ln Middletown 22645 Millbrook High 251 First Woods Drive Winchester 22603 Northwestern Regional Educational Programs 1481 Senseny Road Winchester 22602 Robert E. Aylor Middle 471 White Oak Road White Post 22663 Shenandoah University 1460 University Dr Winchester 22601
Sherando High 185 South Warrior Drive Stephens City 22655
Shopping Destinations Address City Zip
Aldi 221 Kernstown Commons Blvd Winchester 22602 Apple Blossom Mall 1850 Apple Blossom Dr Winchester 22601
Centre at Winchester Patsy Cline Blvd and Legge Blvd Winchester 22601
Costco Wholesale 251 Front Royal Pike Winchester 22602
Creekside Station 3103 Valley Ave Winchester 22602 Crossroads Grocery & Fruit 119 Cedar Grove Rd Winchester 22603 CVS 1725 Amherst St Winchester 22601 CVS 840 Berryville Ave Winchester 22601 CVS 2207 Valley Ave Winchester 22601
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Shopping Destinations Address City Zip
CVS 2340 Legge Blvd Winchester 22601 CVS 191 Market St Winchester 22601 CVS 1379 N Frederick Pke Winchester 22603 Dale's Grocery 702 N Cameron St Winchester 22601
Delco Plaza 182 Delco Plaza Winchester 22602 Dollar General 2824 Valley Ave Winchester 22601
Dollar General 321 Fairfax Pike Stephens City 22655
El Chaparro II 2160 S Loudoun St Winchester 22601
Family Dollar 2222 Valley Ave Winchester 22601 Food Maxx 1107 Berryville Ave Winchester 22601
Fredericktowne Crossing Shopping Center 226 Elizabeth Dr Stephens
City 22655
Gainesboro Market 4780 N Frederick Pike Winchester 22603 La Buena Fe Supermarket 116 Featherbed Ln Winchester 22601 La centro Americana Latín Market 805 N Loudoun St Suite 101 Winchester 22601
Lantz Pharmacy & Gifts 5015 Main St Stephens City 22655
Martin's Food Market 1950 S Pleasant Valley Rd Winchester 22601 Martin's Food Market 1950 S Pleasant Valley Rd Winchester 22603
Martins Food Markets 200 Rivendell Ct Stephens City 22655
Martins Food Markets 400 Gateway Dr Stephens
City 22655
Martin's Food Store Pharmacy 200 Rivendell Ct Winchester 22603 Martin's Food Store Pharmacy 1950 S Pleasant Valley Rd Winchester 22601
Martin's Pharmacy 400 Gateway Dr Stephens City 22655
Medical Circle Pharmacy Inc. 125 Medical Cir Winchester 22601 Mercado Latino Santa Fe 2828 Valley Ave Winchester 22601 Mundo fresco 742 Baker Ln Winchester 22603 Namaste Winchester Market 107 Millwood Ave Winchester 22601 Oakhill Groceries 2708 Berryville Pike Winchester 22603 Orellana Grocery 1855 Senseny Rd Winchester 22602 Paraiso Deli & Grocery 744 Berryville Ave Winchester 22601
ROTZ Pharmacy Inc 1338 Amherst St Winchester 22601 Round Hill Shopping Center 2578 Northwestern Pike Winchester 22603 Sharp Shopper Grocery Outlet 802 Berryville Ave #1 Winchester 22601 Shen-Valley Flea Market 2163 Fairfax Pike White Post 22663 Smith's Corner Grocery 3430 Northwestern Pike Winchester 22603
Sunnyside Plaza Shopping Center 235 Sunnyside Plaza Cir Winchester 22603 Target 191 Market St. Winchester 22603 Target-Pharmacy 2340 Legge Blvd Winchester 22601 Tienda Hispana Marquez 215 Weems Ln Winchester 22601 Tienda Latina La Tembuleña 805 N Loudoun St Suite 101 Winchester 22601 Tom's Market 1998 Back Mountain Rd Winchester 22602
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Appendix A: Trip Generators
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Shopping Destinations Address City Zip
Valley Pharmacy 190 Campus Blvd 110 Winchester 22601
Walgreens 701 Fairfax Pike Stephens City 22655
Walmart Pharmacy 2300 S Pleasant Valley Rd Winchester 22601
Walmart Supercenter 201 Maranto Manor Drive Stephens City 22602
Walmart Supercenter 501 Wal-Mart Drive Winchester 22603 Wards Plaza 2218 Valley Ave Winchester 22601 Wellness Pharmacy 2228 Papermill Rd E Winchester 22601
Winchester Gateway Shopping Center 380 Gateway Dr Winchester 22603 Winchester Station 2540 S Pleasant Valley Rd Winchester 22601
Multi-Family Housing Locations Address City Zip
114 N. Loudoun St 114 N. Loudoun St Winchester 22601
America House Assisted Living 110 Spanish Oak Rd Stephens City 22655
Autumn Wind Apartments 140 Scarlet Maple Dr Winchester 22603 Bellview Apartments 8 Bellview Ave Winchester 22601 Blue Ridge Apartments 2260 Wilson Blvd Winchester 22601
Bon Air Home for Elderly 5933 Valley Pike Stephens
City 22655
Brookfield Apartments 548 Brookfield Dr Winchester 22601 Cavalier Apartments 100 Richards Ave Winchester 22601 Cedar Hill Apartments 2250 Sofia Way Winchester 22601
Cedarwood Terrace 390 Stickley Dr Stephens
City 22655
Contrail Park Apartments 749 Front Royal Pike Winchester 22602 Dove Landing Apartments 149 Lee Ave Winchester 22601 Evergreen Health & Rehabilitation of Winchester 380 Millwood Ave Winchester 22601 Fay Street Apartments 121 Fay Street Winchester 22602 Fort Collier Terrace 996 N Braddock St Winchester 22601
Frederick House 107 Lakeridge Dr Stephens
City 22655
Harrison Plaza 2310 Valor Drive Winchester 22601 Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home 110 Lauck Dr Winchester 22601 Hilltop House Assisted Living 111 Denny Ln Winchester 22603 Limestone Place 475 W. Tevis St. Winchester 22601
Madison Village Apartments 110 Bulmer Loop Winchester 22602 Meadow Branch Apartments 424 Ridgewood Ln Winchester 22601 North City Apartments 800 Thomas Ct Winchester 22601 North Winchester Apartments 800 Thomas Ct # 1 Winchester 22601 Orchardcrest Apartments 2524 Wilson Blvd Winchester 22601
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Multi-Family Housing Locations Address City Zip
Pemberton Village 680 Pemberton Dr Winchester 22601 Peppertree Apartments 221 Peppertree Ln Winchester 22601 Preston Place Apartments 124 Castlebridge Ct Winchester 22602 Royal Haven - Winchester 1725 Henry Ave Winchester 22601
Shenandoah Apartments 2527 Wilson Blvd Winchester 22601 Shenandoah Valley Community Residences 301 N Cameron St Suite 103 Winchester 22601
Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury 300 Westminster-Canterbury Dr Winchester 22603
Stephens Village Apartments 390 Stickley Dr Stephens
City 22655
Stuart Hill Apartments 1981 Randolph Pl Winchester 22601
Tasker Village Apartments 120 Caledon Ct. Stephens
City 22655
The Lofts at Jubal Square 1864 Old Jube Sq Winchester 22601 The Willows at Meadow Branch 1881 Harvest Dr Winchester 22601
West Wind 113 Holt Ct. Stephens
City 22655
Winchester House 27 S Cameron St Winchester 22601 Winchester Manor 1011 Pennsylvania Ave Winchester 22601 Winchester Towers 200 N Cameron St Winchester 22601 WinLee Apartments 320 Fairmont Ave Winchester 22601 Woodstock Terrace 1016 Woodstock Lane Winchester 22601
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Appendix B: Community Survey
Appendix B
Community Survey
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Stephens City - Winchester - Frederick County
Public Transportation Survey
The Winchester-Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organization (Winfred MPO) is studying the feasibility
of offering and improving public transportation within the MPO area, which includes the City of Winchester, the
Town of Stephens City, and nearby areas of Frederick County. Please complete the following survey to give
your opinion.
1. What is your primary mode of transportation to access work, school, shopping, medical appointments, and
other life activities?
Drive myself Motorcycle/Moped
Carpool with others - I am usually the driver Bicycle
Carpool with others - I am usually a passenger Walk
A friend or family member drives me Public Transportation
Taxi Uber/Lyft
Other (please specify): ____________________________________________________________
2. Do you currently use any of the following forms of public transportation on a regular basis? (i.e., at least once per week). Please check all that apply.
Winchester Transit Corridor Connector MARC Rail WMATA Metro Rail or Bus
ShenGo Clarke County on Demand Vanpools Carpools
Royal Trolley WellTran Other:_____________________________________
3. Do you, or others in your home, have problems getting your transportation needs met?
Yes No
4. If yes, what does this lack of transportation keep you or others in your home from doing?
Check all that apply.
Working or seeking employment Medical or dental appointments
Attending school or training Shopping
Social or recreational activities Other
5. Are there any reasons why you, or other adults in your home, do not drive or limit the amount they drive?
Yes No If yes, please check all that apply:
Do not have a vehicle Do not drive at night
Vehicle mechanical difficulties Not licensed to drive
Do not drive in poor weather Have a disability and cannot drive
6. Do you think there is a need to start a public transportation service for areas of Frederick County and Stephens City that are not served by the City of Winchester’s transit system (WinTran), either to help you and your family members or for others in the community?
Yes No
over, please
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7. If yes, please indicate the importance of each potential service using the following scale: most important (1);
important (2); neutral (3); not important (4); least important (5).
_____ The U.S. Route 11 corridor, providing service between the City of Winchester, Stephens City, and
Laurel Ridge Community College
_____ Areas of Frederick County that are outside the City of Winchester, but adjacent to the current
WinTran routes, such as Route 50 West (Walmart); Route 7 East; Route 50 East – Millwood Pike;
U.S. Route 11 North; and U.S. Route 11 South (Kernstown)
______ The area east of Stephens City in the VA Route 277 corridor
______ Improvements within the City of Winchester
______ Local service in the Stephens City area
______ Local service in the Middletown area
______ Commuter service to areas outside of Winchester and Frederick County – please specify:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
8. If yes, which of the following types of services would be the most useful? Please check all that apply.
_____ Demand-response service that requires you to call a day ahead and picks you up near your home
and brings you to your destination.
_____ Demand-response service similar to Uber or Lyft that allows you to use a phone or computer
application to schedule a ride when you need it. This type of service is called microtransit.
_____ Deviated fixed route service that follows a base route, but will deviate up to ¾ mile to pick you up,
if you have called ahead.
_____ Fixed route service that follows a set route and schedule and does not require you to call ahead.
9. Would you or members of your household use public transportation services if they met your needs?
Yes No
10. What fare would you be willing to pay for a one-way public transit trip?
Less than $1.00 Between $1.00 and $2.00 More than $2.00
11. Please indicate your age category:
0 to 17 18 to 24 25 to 44
45 to 59 60 to 69 70 +
12. Please indicate your ZIP code: _____________
13. Please provide any additional comments you may have concerning the need for public transportation in the Stephens City- Winchester - Frederick County area.
Thank you for taking the time to fill out this survey!
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Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: August 26, 2024
Agenda Section: County Project Updates
Title: County Project Updates
Attachments:
TC08-26-24CountyProjectUpdates.pdf
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Transportation Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: August 26, 2024
Agenda Section: Other
Title: Other
Attachments:
TC08-26-24Other.pdf
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