A new regional commuting survey reveals that more than one-third of Middle Peninsula residents are unhappy with their current travel arrangements, reinforcing the need for improved transportation alternatives and local job opportunities.

The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission (MPPDC) recently completed a survey of 745 people targeted in the region about their daily commutes.

The results underscore the region’s long-standing transportation challenges — with over 91% of respondents reporting they drive alone to work and nearly 60% commuting six to seven days per week. Commuters cited travel time, cost and flexibility as top concerns.

Virginia’s Middle Peninsula has the highest out-commute rate in the Commonwealth, meaning a significant portion of its workforce – approximately 73-77% or roughly 30,000-33,000 workers – leaves the region for their jobs.

“Too many of our residents are making long, solo trips each day. That’s hard on individuals, families and our infrastructure,” said Lewie Lawrence, Executive Director of the MPPDC. “The data we’ve collected gives us a clear path forward — and shows that people are ready for change.”

Key findings of the survey included:

• Nearly 90% of respondents said they would consider using a local telework center — like HUB33 in King and Queen County — if it provided professional space, security and high-speed internet at low or no cost.
• 74% of respondents said they’d be willing to try carpooling, 79% are open to public transit and 66% would consider working from a coworking space.
• Three-quarters of respondents spend between $50 and $149 weekly on commuting expenses.

When asked about the top barriers to carpooling, respondents cited inconvenient transit schedules, late/irregular work hours, lack of emergency return options and limited bike infrastructure and safe storage.

The average roundtrip commute is significant, with 43% of respondents traveling 50 miles or more per day. More than 38% spend $100 to $149 weekly getting to and from work.

The MPPDC plans to use the survey results to enhance its communications and community awareness around its MidPenRideShare program.

MidPenRideShare is a free service for residents, workers, commuters and tourists in the Middle Peninsula region (counties of Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Mathews and Middlesex, and towns of Tappahannock, Urbanna and West Point). Commuters who register for this service find others who match their travel routes in order to coordinate shared rides and reduce transportation costs. Logging their greener trips adds up to discounts from select retailers and businesses.

The region’s newest commuter solution, HUB33, is already offering relief. The 7,000-square-foot center in Shacklefords features telework cubicles, free Wi-Fi, a park-and-ride commuter lot and co-located community services.

“The message from our residents is clear: they want solutions that save time, money and stress,” Lawrence said.

MPPDC will use the insights to guide future transportation planning, economic development initiatives and collaborations with employers.