If traffic is light and the bus will stay on time, a Blacksburg Transit driver on the Blue or Gold Explorer routes can change – or deviate – from the fixed route to try to get a passenger a little closer to where they’re going.
“Deviations allow BT to get a little closer to a customer’s origin or destination to reduce the walking distance from the bus stop,” Fiona Rhodes, communications and customer support coordinator for Blacksburg Transit said.
That’s especially helpful in areas without sidewalks, or if the passenger has a mobility limitation and data available from Jan. to June 2015 say that 412 deviations were taken on the Explorer route.
“There are limits, though. You have to ask if they can accommodate you. There might be only time for one detour depending on traffic,” she said.
The requested stop needs to be an approved location and the deviation can’t take more than five minutes, and won’t make the bus late.
Rhodes said that the service isn’t meant to support people with disabilities, but it does help people get a little bit closer to where they’re going. – or coming from.
People can request a deviation once they’re on the bus by asking the bus driver to make the detour, or a passenger can call BT two hours before the trip to request a closer pick-up stop.
According to the BT website, deviation requests are considered on a first come, first served basis.
To request a deviation call two hours in advance on the day the deviation is being requested. Between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. call 540-443-7111 between 12 and 5 p.m. call 540-443-1500.
Different than the Blue and Gold Explorer route, is the “Go Anywhere” route
that will “pick you up and take you anywhere within the Town of Christiansburg” according to the BT website.
A Go Anywhere trip can be reserved by calling 540-443-7111 between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m., Monday through Friday up to fourteen days before the trip.
All reservations are first come, first served, including same day reservations.
Cancellations must be made at least two hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time, and can be left on voicemail.
The exact fare for BT buses is required. Drivers can’t make change. Adult fares are $0.50. Passes can be purchases at the Blacksburg Municipal Building, located at 300 S. Main St. or, in Christiansburg, at the Town Hall, the Aquatic Center and the Recreation Center.
For more information, visit https://ridebt.org/index.php/routes-schedules/christiansburg
