The Virginia Breeze announced that they have seen a 25% increase in riders in March 2025 when compared to March 2024. This is their highest number of monthly passengers they’ve seen, at 8,049. The Valley Flyer route also reached its highest reported number of passengers at 4,385 in March.
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation said that they have expanded the capacity of several Virginia Breeze routes to accommodate the increasing number of passengers. Between March 2024 and March 2025, there have been 21 more Valley Flyer buses, six more Highlands Rhythm buses, and three more Piedmont Express buses.
A quick stop in Salem is just one of the connections the Virginia Breeze is helping to make before heading all the way to Dulles Airport.
Sarah Riddle shared her experience: “I’m taking the bus to Dulles Airport, and from there, I’m actually going to Europe. I just graduated college, so this is kind of my celebratory trip.”
This kind of convenience is catching on. In March, Virginia Breeze logged its highest ridership ever—more than 8,000 passengers, a 25 percent increase compared to March of last year.
Avery Daugherty, statewide transit programs manager for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, noted, “Not only the convenience of having us do the driving for you and taking the stress of getting stuck potentially in traffic or maybe just not wanting to deal with congestion.”
Managed by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Virginia Breeze connects communities like Salem to major cities, giving riders an affordable alternative to driving. Riddle mentioned, “I actually asked ChatGPT, and it was the fastest and cheapest option.”
A bus driver added, “Oh, this is it, yes, very cheap. You really can’t beat it. It’s a blessing, it’s a godsend, and I’d recommend it to anybody.”
To keep up with demand, the DRPT added more buses in March—21 extra buses on the Valley Flyer compared to last year, with more services on other routes like the Highlands Rhythm and Piedmont Express.
Daugherty explained, “Through the Federal Transit Administration, they offer the ability for us to utilize federal funds to pay for this service, in combination with I-81 funding that we receive from VDOT annually.”
Officials say this surge in ridership reflects a growing need for reliable, affordable transportation—especially in smaller communities like this one. For many passengers, it’s more than just a ride.
“It can really serve as a lifeline for some of our residents,” Daugherty said.
“This record-breaking ridership is a testament to the growing demand for safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options across Virginia,” said DRPT Director Tiffany Robinson. “Virginians are choosing the Virginia Breeze because it is a service they can count on, operating 365 days a year. We are proud to connect rural communities with major cities, job centers, and educational institutions, providing greater access to opportunity and mobility. DRPT remains committed to enhancing the passenger experience as we continue building a more connected Commonwealth.”
“This record-breaking ridership is a testament to the growing demand for safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options across Virginia. Virginians are choosing the Virginia Breeze because it is a service they can count on, operating 365 days a year. We are proud to connect rural communities with major cities, job centers, and educational institutions, providing greater access to opportunity and mobility. DRPT remains committed to enhancing the passenger experience as we continue building a more connected Commonwealth.”
Tiffany Robinson, DRPT Director
You can find more information on the Virginia Breeze here.