KFH GROUP, INC.

Town of Ashland Transit Services Plan

Draft Final Report

December 22, 2008

In Association with
Cambridge Systematics, Inc.

Prepared for:

Town of Ashland, Virginia

4920 Elm Street, Suite 350 —Bethesda, MD 20814 —(301) 951-8660—

—FAX (301) 951-0026
 Draft Final Report

Chapter 1
Introduction

BACKGROUND

The Town of Ashland, Virginia is a

vibrant, small college town located about
17 miles north of Richmond, Virginia.
While the Town has a rich history
associated with transportation (specifically
the railroad), there is no public transit
available for area residents, businesses, or
visitors. There has been interest in
developing a public transportation
program for the Town for several years;
however, a viable service and organizational structure had not previously emerged. The
Town possesses many characteristics that would suggest that a transit program will be
viable, including a vibrant downtown, a college (Randolph-Macon), a passenger rail
station, and proximity to a major city.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (VDRPT) provided

consultant assistance to the Town for the development of the Town of Ashland Transit
Service Plan. The purpose of the planning study was to develop a transit route and
service plan to devise a public transit program to connect residents and students with
employment, shopping, entertainment, health care, and other destinations within the
Town limits. KFH Group, Inc., in close consultation with Town staff and VDRPT staff,
developed the plan, which is documented in this draft final report. The study was
conducted between October and December, 2008.

STUDY DESCRIPTION

The Town of Ashland Transit Service Plan examined existing and future land use
patterns, population and employment destinations, and trip generators that typically
support transit services. In order to get public input concerning the need for public

Town of Ashland
Transit Service Plan 1-1
 Draft Final Report

transit in Ashland, a public opinion survey was conducted. Local human service agency
representatives were also contacted to solicit qualitative information concerning the
need for transit in the Town.

An inventory of existing transportation services in the area was developed and

examples from peer towns and cities in Virginia were documented. Based on the data
and information collected for the needs analysis and the inventory, a series of service
alternatives were developed. These alternatives were presented to the public and the
Town Council on November 18, 2008, and again on December 2, 2008. The Town
Council and Staff then chose an alternative to pursue for implementation.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Town of Ashland will use this plan as a basis to apply for funds from the
VDRPT on to implement transit service in the Town. The current grant application cycle
opened on December 1, 2008 and the grant application is due to VDRPT on February 1,
2008. If the Town is awarded grant funding, service can be implemented in Fiscal Year
2010.

PLAN ORGANIZATION

This Plan, which fully documents the data collection, analysis, decision-making,
and implementation, is organized into the following five chapters:

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Transit Needs Analysis
Chapter 3: Existing Transportation Services and Peer Examples
Chapter 4: Potential Alternatives for Providing Transit in the Town of Ashland
Chapter 5: Recommended Transit Service Plan

Town of Ashland
Transit Service Plan 1-2
 Figure 2-1: RANKED DENSITY OF POTENTIALLY
TRANSIT DEPENDENT PERSONS

0 0.5

Miles
1

−
t
u 1

Jamestown Rd

y
Hw
N James

on
Ch

§
¨
¦
ngt
ap

95

shi
m
an

Wa
St
St

Berkl
ey St

V
U
54
St

y St
nter

Henr
N Ce

V
U
54
Thom
pson
St
2
I
England St
e
Av
v er
no
Ha
St
nter
S Ce

y
Pk
ter
ar

Ashcake Rd
Hill C

Legend
Ma
pl

§
¨
¦
e

Town Boundary
Wa s h i n g t o n H w y

95
St

2 Amtrak Station
I
Railroad
Major Highway
Street
Randolph-Macon College
t
u
1

Census 2000 Block Groups

Ranked Density
High
Medium
Low
Data Sources: ESRI Data CD, Town of Ashland
Planning & Community Development Dept.

2-8
 Figure 2-2: RANKED PERCENTAGE OF POTENTIALLY
TRANSIT DEPENDENT PERSONS

0 0.5

Miles
1

−
t
u 1

Jamestown Rd

y
Hw
N James

on
Ch

§
¨
¦
ngt
ap

95

shi
m
an

Wa
St
St

Berkl
ey St

V
U
54
St

y St
nter

Henr
N Ce

V
U
54
Thom
pson
St
2
I
England St
e
Av
v er
no
Ha
St
nter
S Ce

y
Pk
ter
ar

Ashcake Rd
Hill C

Legend
Ma
pl

§
¨
¦
e

Town Boundary
Wa s h i n g t o n H w y

95
St

2 Amtrak Station
I
Railroad
Major Highway
Street
Randolph-Macon College
t
u
1

Census 2000 Block Groups

Ranked Percentage
High
Medium
Low
Data Sources: ESRI Data CD, Town of Ashland
Planning & Community Development Dept.

2-9
 Figure 2-3: POPULATION DENSITY
Ashland, Virginia

0 0.5

Miles
1

−
t
u 1

Jamestown Rd

y
Hw
N James

on
Ch

§
¨
¦
ngt
ap

95

shi
m
an

Wa
St
St

Berkl
ey St

V
U
54
St

y St
nter

Henr
N Ce

V
U
54
Thom
pson
St
2
I
England St
e
Av
v er
no
Ha
St
nter
S Ce

y
Pk
ter
ar

Ashcake Rd
Hill C

Legend
Ma

Town Boundary
pl

§
¨
¦
e

2 Amtrak Station
I
Wa s h i n g t o n H w y

95
St

Railroad
Major Highway
Street
Randolph-Macon College
Census 2000 Block Groups
t
u
1

Population Density (Persons/Square Mile)

More than 2000
1000 - 2000
500 - 1000
Less than 500
Data Sources: ESRI Data CD, Town of Ashland
Planning & Community Development Dept.

2-11
 Figure 2-4: MAJOR TRIP GENERATORS
Ashland, Virginia

0 0.5

Miles
1

−
t
u 1

Jamestown Rd

y
Gandy

Hw
N James

Elementary

on
Ch

§
¨
¦
ngt
ap

95

shi
m
an

Wa
St
St

Berkl
ey St

V
U54
St

y St
nter

Ashland Hanover
Henr
N Ce

Shopping Center
Legend Town Hall Post V
U54
Office
Town Boundary
Thom
pson
St
2
I
2
I Amtrak Station
e
England St
Wal-Mart
Av Police Dept.
Railroad ov
er
Ha
n Library
Major Highway
Street
Ashland Junction
St

Major Trip Generators Shopping Center

nter

Hanover Arts &

Randolph-Macon College Activities Center
S Ce

Multi-Family Housing y
Pk

Major Employer
ter
ar

Ashcake Rd
Medical Facility
Hill C

Human Service Agency YMCA

Hotel/Motel Hanover County CSB
Ma

Government Facility
pl

§
¨
¦
e

Wa s h i n g t o n H w y

95
Point of Interest
St

Shopping Center
School/Daycare
College/Voc. School
Daycare
School t
u
1

Grocery/Pharmacy
Farmer's Market
Grocery Store
Pharmacy
Park/Open Space
Lake/Pond
Data Sources: ESRI Data CD, Town of Ashland Planning & Community Development Dept., Internet Research

2-12
 Figure 2-5: NUMBER OF PEOPLE LIVING BELOW
THE POVERTY LEVEL

0 0.5

Miles
1

−
t
u 1

Jamestown Rd

y
Hw
N James

on
Ch

§
¨
¦
ngt
ap

95

shi
m
an

Wa
St
St

Berkl
ey St

V
U
54
St

y St
nter

Henr
N Ce

V
U
54
Thom
pson
St
2
I
England St
e
Av
v er
no
Ha
St
nter
S Ce

y
Pk
ter
ar

Ashcake Rd
Hill C

Legend
Ma
pl

§
¨
¦
e

Town Boundary
Wa s h i n g t o n H w y

95
St

2 Amtrak Station
I
Railroad
Major Highway
Street
Randolph-Macon College
t
u
1

Census 2000 Block Groups

Number of People Living Below Poverty Level
More than 200
100 - 200
Less than 100
Data Sources: ESRI Data CD, Town of Ashland
Planning & Community Development Dept.

2-13
 RD
L LO
E BE
NT
MO
RD
NEY
RAD
10
11

NORTH
E
PL A

L
MA

OA K B R OOK D MADIS
R
NORT

ON RD

T
ES
H

13 ETT
FAY

OAD
12 LA
14

RAILR
15

L AN

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DO
NL

HIL
AN

LR
9 E

D
16 DD
R
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RT
PO
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NEW

17 5 3
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6
BYR

ST
ON

W MAIN SON
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15
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ST

7 4 J EF
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20
15

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20
20 D
HILL R
20 BERRY

LN
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UR
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MA
Y
W
HG
ON
IS
AD
M
ES
M
JA

Exhibit 3-1:TOOT
Exhibit 3-2: Front Royal Area Transit Map and Schedule

3-10
 Figure 4-1: ALTERNATIVE 1, GREEN LOOP
Ashland, Virginia

−
Proposed Alternative
Green Loop (7.50 mi)
Theresa A. Thomas
t
u1

Extensions to Medical Facilities Medical Center

Notes: Route miles represent approximate round-trip lengths. The
extensions go to Ashland Medical Center and Theresa A. Thomas
Medical Center at 2.30 and 1.10 miles round trip, respectively.
These route concepts may be adjusted if implemented. 0 0.2 0.4

Miles

y
Hw
N James

on
Ch

ngt
ap

Gandy

shi
m

Elementary

Wa
an

St
St

s Rd
Berkl
ey St
Quarle
§
¨
¦
95

Ashland
Medical
Center
V
U54
y St
Henr
er St

Cottage Greene Dr
nt
N Ce

Ashland Hanover
Shopping Center
Colle
Thom ge Av
pson e

V
U
St
54
Town Hall
England St

v e
r A Post
o ve Police
an
H Library Office Dept.
Major Trip Generators Juncti
on Dr
er St

Randolph-Macon College Arlington St

Wal-Mart
nt

Multi-Family Housing
S Ce

Major Employer Ashland Junction

Shopping Center
Medical Facility
Human Service Agency
Hotel/Motel
t
u 1

Government Facility
Point of Interest
Wa s h i n g t o n H w y

Shopping Center

School/Daycare
ky
rP
rte

College/Voc. School
a
Hill C

Daycare Ashcake Rd
School

Grocery/Pharmacy
Farmer's Market YMCA
Grocery Store
Hanover Human
Ma

Pharmacy
Services Center
pl

Park/Open Space
e
St

Lake/Pond
Data Sources: ESRI Data CD, Town of Ashland Planning & Community Development Dept., Internet Research

4-3
 Figure 4-2: ALTERNATIVE 1, ORANGE LOOP
Ashland, Virginia

−
Proposed Alternative
Sub-Alternative: Orange Loop (7.20 mi)
Theresa A. Thomas
t
u1

Extensions to Medical Facilities Medical Center

Notes: Route miles represent approximate round-trip lengths. The extensions go to
Ashland Medical Center and Theresa A. Thomas Medical Center at 2.30 and 1.10
miles round trip, respectively. These route concepts may be adjusted if implemented.
0 0.2 0.4

Miles

y
Hw
N James

on
Ch

ngt
ap

Gandy

shi
m

Elementary

Wa
an

St
St

s Rd
Berkl
ey St
Quarle
§
¨
¦
95

Ashland
Medical
Center
V
U54
y St
Henr
er St

Cottage Greene Dr
nt
N Ce

Ashland Hanover
Shopping Center
Colle
Thom ge Av
pson e

V
U
St
54
Town Hall
England St

v e
r A Post
o ve Police
an
H Library Office Dept.
Major Trip Generators Juncti
on Dr
er St

Randolph-Macon College Arlington St

Wal-Mart
nt

Multi-Family Housing
S Ce

Major Employer Ashland Junction

Shopping Center
Medical Facility
Human Service Agency
Hotel/Motel
t
u 1

Government Facility
Point of Interest
Wa s h i n g t o n H w y

Shopping Center

School/Daycare
ky
rP
rte

College/Voc. School
a
Hill C

Daycare Ashcake Rd
School

Grocery/Pharmacy
Farmer's Market YMCA
Grocery Store
Hanover Human
Ma

Pharmacy
Services Center
pl

Park/Open Space
e
St

Lake/Pond
Data Sources: ESRI Data CD, Town of Ashland Planning & Community Development Dept., Internet Research

4-4
 Figure 4-3: ALTERNATIVE 1, BLUE LOOP
Ashland, Virginia

−
Proposed Alternative
Sub-Alternative: Blue Loop (7.30 mi)
Theresa A. Thomas
t
u1

Extensions to Medical Facilities Medical Center

Notes: Route miles represent approximate round-trip lengths. The extensions
go to Ashland Medical Center and Theresa A. Thomas Medical Center at 2.30
and 1.10 miles round trip, respectively. These route concepts may be adjusted
if implemented. 0 0.2 0.4

Miles

y
Hw
N James

on
Ch

ngt
ap

Gandy

shi
m

Elementary

Wa
an

St
St

s Rd
Berkl
ey St
Quarle
§
¨
¦
95

Ashland
Medical
Center
V
U54
y St
Henr
er St

Cottage Greene Dr
nt
N Ce

Ashland Hanover
Shopping Center
Colle
Thom ge Av
pson e

V
U
St
54
Town Hall
England St

v e
r A Post
o ve Police
an
H Library Office Dept.
Major Trip Generators Juncti
on Dr
er St

Randolph-Macon College Arlington St

Wal-Mart
nt

Multi-Family Housing
S Ce

Major Employer Ashland Junction

Shopping Center
Medical Facility
Human Service Agency
Hotel/Motel
t
u 1

Government Facility
Point of Interest
Wa s h i n g t o n H w y

Shopping Center

School/Daycare
y
Pk
r
rte

College/Voc. School
a
Hill C

Daycare Ashcake Rd
School

Grocery/Pharmacy
Farmer's Market YMCA
Grocery Store
Ma

Pharmacy Hanover Human

pl

Park/Open Space Services Center

e
St

Lake/Pond
Data Sources: ESRI Data CD, Town of Ashland Planning & Community Development Dept., Internet Research

4-5
 Figure 4-4: ALTERNATIVE 2, DOUBLE LOOP
Ashland, Virginia

−
Proposed Alternative
North Ashland Loop (4.80 mi)
Theresa A. Thomas
t
u1

South Ashland Loop (5.70 mi) Medical Center

Extensions to Medical Facilities
Notes: Route miles represent approximate round-trip lengths. The
extensions go to Ashland Medical Center and Theresa A. Thomas 0 0.2 0.4
Medical Center at 2.30 and 1.10 miles round trip, respectively.
These route concepts may be adjusted if implemented.
Miles

y
Hw
N James

on
Ch

ngt
ap

Gandy

shi
m

Elementary

Wa
an

St
St

s Rd
Berkl
ey St
Quarle
§
¨
¦
95

Ashland
Medical
Center
V
U 54
y St
Henr
er St

Cottage Greene Dr
nt
N Ce

Ashland Hanover
Shopping Center
Colle
Thom ge Av
pson e

V
U
St
54
Town Hall
England St

v e
r A
ve Police
an
o Post
H Library Office Dept.
Major Trip Generators Juncti
on Dr
er St

Randolph-Macon College Arlington St

Wal-Mart
nt

Multi-Family Housing
S Ce

Major Employer Ashland Junction

Shopping Center
Medical Facility
Human Service Agency
Hotel/Motel
t
u 1

Government Facility
Point of Interest
Wa s h i n g t o n H w y

Shopping Center

School/Daycare
ky
rP
rte

College/Voc. School
a
Hill C

Daycare Ashcake Rd
School

Grocery/Pharmacy
Farmer's Market YMCA
Grocery Store
Ma

Pharmacy Hanover Human

Services Center
pl

Park/Open Space
e
St

Lake/Pond
Data Sources: ESRI Data CD, Town of Ashland Planning & Community Development Dept., Internet Research

4-7
 Figure 5-1
PROPOSED ASHLAND TRANSIT CIRCULATOR ROUTE
Ashland, Virginia
Proposed Route
Circulator Route (6.3 mi weekday, 5.0 mi Sat.)
1
Segment to Social Services Area (Not served on Sat.)
3/4 Mile Buffer Around Route
Notes: Route miles represent approximate round-trip lengths. The weekday route miles include the Theresa A. Thomas
segment to the social services area, which will not be served on Saturdays. This route concept may be Medical Center 0 0.2 0.4
adjusted if implemented.

Miles

y
Hw
N James
Ch

on
n gt
ap

Gandy
m

Elementary

shi
an

Wa
St
St

s Rd
Berkl Quarle
ey St
95
y St

54
He n r
St

Cottage Greene Dr
nt e r
N Ce

Ashland Hanover
Shopping Center 54
Thom
pson Library
St

Town Hall England St

ia S t

e Police
Av Post Dept.
er
V ir g in

v Office
no
Ha
on Dr
Juncti
Arlington St Wal-Mart
er S t

Ashland Junction
nt

Shopping Center
S Ce

Wa sh in gt o n H w y

Major Trip Generators

Randolph-Macon College
Multi-Family Housing
Major Employer
ky

1
rP

Medical Facility
rte a

Human Service Agency Ashcake Rd

Hi ll C

Hotel/Motel
Government Facility
YMCA
Point of Interest
Shopping Center
Ma

Hanover Human
School/Daycare Services Center
pl
e
St

College/Voc. School
Daycare
School

Grocery/Pharmacy
Farmer's Market
Grocery Store
Pharmacy
Park/Open Space
Lake/Pond
Data Sources: ESRI Data CD, Town of Ashland Planning & Community Development Dept., Internet Research

5-3