CONNECT Services Adopt Stop Points to Improve Passenger Safety

April 26, 2022 Janet and Robin News

Beginning Thursday, April 28, 2022, a small schedule change will go into effect on certain CONNECT routes. Select pick-up locations will be converted from “time points” to “stop points.” Meaning, the buses will stop long enough for passengers to safely disembark or board, but will no longer wait until a listed time.

These changes are being implemented to pick-up locations around UVA that do not have adequate space for multiple buses to pull off the road. The intention of these adjustments is to alleviate traffic concerns and allow for more efficient management of our routes.

Specific locations that will be impacted by these changes are:

Emmet St @ Central Grounds Garage
Emmet St @ Ridley Hall
Whitehead Rd @ Rice Hall
Jefferson Park Ave @ Cabell Hall
Jefferson Park Ave @ Pinn Hall
Jefferson Park Ave @ Brandon Ave

As always, the Transloc app is passengers’ best option to determine the location of the bus and estimated arrival time to your stop. The times published in the route schedule are estimates, not guarantees.

For more information on how these changes will affect schedules, please visit our CONNECT page.

Jaunt, Inc. Announces Promotion of Stephen Johnson to Chief Development Officer

April 12, 2022 Janet and Robin News

Johnson will step into his new role effective immediately

Jaunt CEO Ted Rieck is pleased to announce the promotion of Stephen Johnson to Chief Development Officer (CDO), effective immediately.

In this newly created role, Mr. Johnson will manage and oversee agency planning and system development activities, coordinating, planning, and executing projects to improve and expand Jaunt service. Focusing on strategic, financial, and operations planning and analysis, Johnson will monitor and evaluate performance to ensure quality customer service. He will also provide critical management and policy support to the CEO.

“Stephen’s intellect and passion for planning, process, and community building will be instrumental in advancing Jaunt’s strategic vision for the future of transit in our region,” said Rieck in announcing the promotion.

Mr. Johnson started his tenure at Jaunt as a transit fellow, while he completed his master’s program at the University of Virginia. From there he was hired as Jaunt’s mobility planner, later going on to become planning manager – the agency’s first dedicated, full-time planning position. In 2021 Mr. Johnson was promoted to Director of Planning and Process.

“I’m excited about this opportunity,” said Johnson in accepting the promotion. “I’m passionate about the ways in which public transportation can advance social causes such as equity, congestion, and climate change and I’m eager to continue to translate that passion into actionable solutions in this new role.“

Mr. Johnson brings nearly five years of experience with Jaunt and 12 years of technology, design, and project management experience to the role. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science and a Master’s in Urban and Environmental Planning, both from the University of Virginia.

Crozet CONNECT Survey

March 9, 2022 Janet and Robin Community, News

Jaunt is conducting a survey to determine current and potential ridership needs for the Crozet CONNECT commuter service. The survey will be live March 9-27, 2022, and can be found here. This feedback is valuable to us and it will be used to inform future stop needs as well as any schedule changes that would be beneficial to the community as a whole. Thank you for your help and we look forward to hearing how we could better serve the Crozet community.

Shady’s Place Location & Name Changed to Thomas Nelson Hwy @ River Rd

February 11, 2022 Janet and Robin Community, News

The Lovingston CONNECT stop previously labeled as Shady’s Place has been renamed as Thomas Nelson Hwy @ River Rd to reflect the true location of the stop. This Park and Ride location, located just north of Shady’s Place, is unpaved but offers plenty of parking space for commuters. Please note that commuter parking is not allowed on Ebb & Flow property, located just north of the stop. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns regarding this change, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Jaunt, Inc. Announces Promotion of Karen Davis to Deputy CEO

December 15, 2021 Janet and Robin News

Davis will step into her new role effective immediately

Jaunt’s Chief Executive Officer, Ted Rieck, is pleased to announce the promotion of Karen Davis to Deputy CEO. Ms. Davis was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Jaunt in 2015. She served as interim CEO from December 6, 2020 through December 6, 2021.

“I am excited about what Karen and I can accomplish together.” Said Rieck in announcing the promotion. “Her passion for Jaunt and public transportation as a critical community service, and for contributing to the betterment of the communities we serve will ensure that our mission remains at the forefront of all our organizational decisions.”

In her tenure with Jaunt, Ms. Davis has been instrumental in the development and management of Jaunt’s annual budget, along with organizational policies and procedures. She is a change-agent within the organization, promoting and implementing the use of technology to realize efficiencies and operational improvements, as well as overseeing massive projects such as the renovation of Jaunt headquarters, the launch of the CONNECT commuter service, and the transition of Green County Transit operations to Jaunt.

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to continue to serve Jaunt and the community in this capacity.” Said Davis in accepting the promotion. “I am committed to Jaunt’s staff and our customers and I look forward to advancing our mission and vision in lockstep with Ted.”

Ms. Davis brings over 10 years of experience with Jaunt and over 30 years of executive leadership experience to the role. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hobart & William Smith College and a Master of Science from Syracuse University.

Lovingston CONNECT: No Longer Serving Blossom’s Florist

December 8, 2021 Janet and Robin News

Unfortunately, Blossom’s Florist in Lovingston is no longer able to support commuter parking. As a result, this stop will be removed from the Lovingston CONNECT schedule as of December 7, 2021. In the short term, passengers riding the Lovingston CONNECT service are asked to board at either the Nelson Center or Shady’s Place bus stops. For any other commuters using this lot, please refrain from doing so to avoid being towed.

We understand the impact this might have on Nelson County commuters. Jaunt will be completing its Transit Development Planning process in 2023 which will provide Nelson County residents the opportunity to provide feedback on Jaunt stops and services. Details on the Transit Development Plan will be announced next year on the CONNECT website and through other communication channels. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.