Blacksburg Transit, or simply BT, is a local government-owned urban-suburban bus line based in Blacksburg, Virginia. The system originated in 1983 with six buses, but has since expanded its operation to 53 fixed-route buses and 18 body-on-chassis vehicles. In FY 19, Ridership exceeded 4.6 million passenger trips per year; ridership is dominated by Virginia Tech students who account for approximately 90 percent of all riders, with the remaining percentage being split between Virginia Tech faculty and staff, and other Blacksburg citizens. Ridership decreased in FY20 and FY21 due to COVID-19, but began rebounding in FY21.[3] Blacksburg Transit serves the towns of Blacksburg, Christiansburg and limited portions of Montgomery County. Ridership in FY25 (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025) exceeded 4.7 million passenger trips, an increase of 26% over the previous fiscal year.[4]
Service in Blacksburg was overhauled in 2024, moving the hub of service from Virginia Tech's Drillfield to the Loops at the new Transit Center. This major change increased route efficiency and typically due to the shortened route length provided increased frequency without adding additional vehicles. A new route, the Campus Shuttle (CAS), provides high frequency service around central campus. CAS accounted for 20% of all passenger trips in FY25.[5]
System of the Year
In 2019, BT was named the American Public Transportation Association's Outstanding Public Transportation System for agencies carrying fewer than 4 million passenger trips per year. BT was singled out for their successful delivery of service to Virginia Tech, Blacksburg and Christiansburg based on performance on 24 quantitative and qualitative criteria, including ridership. In the three years evaluated (2016, 2017 and 2018), BT experienced an unprecedented 22 percent growth in ridership from 3.5 to 4.3 million passenger trips per year.
Maroon loop during class change in August 2025.
Employees
Blacksburg Transit sign
The majority of BT's drivers are part-time employees, making BT a popular employer with Virginia Tech students as well as retirees. The majority of the service's full-time staff consists of administrative and supervisory positions.
BT Access
BT Access[6] is Blacksburg Transit's complementary paratransit service. The service is available for persons with a temporary or permanent disability who meet the criteria established under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Once approved, riders can schedule one time or recurring trips with door-to-door service to any destination within Blacksburg. Riders wishing to go to Christiansburg can schedule a trip to meet the Two Town Trolley at the Loops or at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery.
Routes
Inside a bus of Blacksburg Transit, Blacksburg, Virginia
