Multi-Modal Transportation

What is Multi-Modal Transportation?

DMV's Highway Safety Office is committed to increasing traffic safety and reducing congestion on Virginia's roadways. We strive to help the citizens of Virginia select more economical, safe, and efficient means of transportation.

One way to do this is by facilitating multi-modal transportation, i.e., using multiple forms of transport to move passengers or freight from one place to another safely and seamlessly. In fact, the Virginia Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment was created in 2002 to encourage multi-modal and intermodal transportation across the Commonwealth. Its goals include linking existing transportation systems, reducing congestion, and improving accessibility.

While we have a long way to go to achieve our transportation goals, passenger multi-modal transportation already exists in Virginia. Examples include:

• Park and Ride: Several Metro stations in Northern Virginia provide parking places. Commuters can leave their cars for the day and take the Metro to and from their places of employment.
• Auto Train: Passengers travelling to Florida on Amtrak's Auto Train board the train in Lorton. Their vehicles are loaded onto special train cars and are transported with them.
• Bike and Board: Many Greater Richmond Transit buses are equipped with bicycle racks, allowing cyclists to bring their bicycles with them when they ride the bus.

Major Regional Transportation Systems in Virginia:

Getting around by car in Virginia's major urban areas can be frustrating and time consuming. Fortunately, there are alternatives to travelling by automibile. Read about less stressful ways to get where you need to go:

• Hampton Roads: Hampton Roads Transit
• New River and Roanoke Valleys: Smart Way Commuter Bus
• Northern Virginia: Washington Metro Area Transit Authority
• Richmond: Greater Richmond Transit Company

Useful Information for Commuters and Travelers

Interested in saving gas and reducing stress on your commute? Here are some ideas to help you achieve that goal:

• Airports in Virginia
• Amtrak Virginia
• Authorized Motor Carriers
• High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes
• Park and Ride Lots
• Public Transit Locator
• Ride Sharing
• Virginia Railway Express (Northern Virginia)