Celebrating Five Years of Reno’s Virginia Line: A Reliable Transit Solution
On the bustling Saturday afternoon of March 7, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) marked a significant milestone by celebrating the fifth anniversary of Reno’s Virginia Line. This rapid transit line has become a cornerstone for many in the community, connecting residents to essential destinations across the city.
At the 4th Street Station, the vibrant scene of passengers waiting for their buses illustrates the crucial role of public transit in Reno. Among the many commuters is Cory Sawyer, a regular passenger of the Virginia Line, who appreciates the bus service for more than just its convenience.
“I get anxious around driving and I don’t like driving, so I prefer this even if it’s a little unreliable. It still means I don’t have to drive,” Sawyer shared. His daily observations highlight the line’s importance for individuals relying on public transport for work, grocery shopping, and medical appointments.
The Virginia Line is distinguished as one of Reno’s two rapid transit services, offering buses approximately every 10 minutes—significantly more frequent than the standard 30-minute intervals of other routes. Bill Thomas, RTC’s executive director, noted the challenge of encouraging bus usage in a car-dependent society.
“We can’t make people ride the bus, so the goal is to make it convenient enough,” Thomas explained. The Virginia Line’s increasing ridership attests to its success in providing reliable and frequent service, with 1,390,583 passengers utilizing the route in 2024.
For Nic Alexander, who has been riding the Virginia Line for six months, the service is indispensable. “I’m going through a DUI right now, so I have no other choice,” he mentioned, highlighting the bus’s role in facilitating his daily commutes to various jobs and group counseling sessions.
