By Heather Bell
RADFORD – A new service provider will be managing the operations of the city’s bus system as of July 1.
The City of Radford announced Thursday that RTW Management, a transit operator that has been in business for 20 years with operations in six states, will be the city’s new contractor for Radford Transit.
In operation since 2011, Radford Transit’s areas of service include the City of Radford, the Radford University campus, Fairlawn, downtown Christiansburg, the Aquatic Center, NRV Mall, First/Main, and the Squires Student Center in Blacksburg. It is funded by a combination of federal, state, local, and Radford University funds.
New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) has operated Radford Transit for the City of Radford since service began on Aug. 12, 2011.
In a statement, the City of Radford said it “is happy to announce that starting July 1, 2022, RTW Management will be Radford Transit’s new contractor.
“RTW is committed to safe, efficient transportation by serving the community with quality and value,” the city’s statement said. “RTW will continue to provide the same ridership experience that our community currently is accustomed to. Riders should expect a smooth transition in service with no noticeable changes from the riders’ perspective. We welcome RTW to Radford and look forward to working with them as they take on the role of Radford Transit’s new service provider.”
NRVCS has operated Radford Transit for the City of Radford since it began service on Aug. 12, 2011.
“During the past 10+ years we are proud of what our team has accomplished with this system in partnership with the City of Radford and Radford University,” said NRVCS in a statement. “We are thankful to all of our staff who have contributed to our success. Because of the commitment and diligence of our staff, we have never canceled or missed service beyond normal vehicle issues or weather-related shutdowns.
“ On July 1, RTW Management will be starting a new contract for Radford Transit,” the statement says. “We have worked together to make this a smooth transition for our riders by keeping the phone number, the website address, and the app the same. We want to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve our community in this role over the last 10+ years and wish Radford Transit all the success moving forward.”
