Charlottesville Joins the National “Week Without Driving” Challenge
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT), the City of Charlottesville, and community partners are proud to announce that Charlottesville will take part in National Week Without Driving from September 29 to October 5, 2025.
Week Without Driving is a national program that shines a light on the barriers many non-drivers face and encourages everyone to imagine life without relying on a personal car. Nearly one-third of people in the United States do not drive because of age, disability, or cost, yet most transportation systems are designed primarily for drivers. CAT invites you to discover alternative ways to travel around Charlottesville.
“Public transit is fundamentally linked to mobility, as it provides essential transportation options that enable physical, economic, and social mobility for individuals and communities. It expands access to employment, healthcare, and educational opportunities, especially by reducing barriers for people with disabilities and low-income individuals, and turns separate walkable neighborhoods into a single connected urban area.
Furthermore, public transit fosters sustainability, reduces congestion, and is strengthened by integrating shared mobility services, ultimately contributing to more equitable and accessible urban environments that support long-term economic mobility. By joining the Week Without Driving challenge, our community can better understand the daily realities of non-drivers and recognize the value of investing in transit and other accessible options,” said Garland Williams, Director of Charlottesville Area Transit.
"The City of Charlottesville is focused on improving mobility options for everyone and developing a regional transportation system that is safe, reliable, and affordable. Relying heavily on cars to serve the region's trips, as many places in America have over the past century, excludes members of the community who are not able to drive or own a personal vehicle. Expanding options for safe and reliable travel through bicycle, pedestrian, and transit investments provides access across our community, no matter one's age, abilities, or financial status. Our local Week Without Driving will help residents, commuters, and visitors understand the opportunities that exist today for getting around our region and the challenges we'll need to address as a city to ensure that a strong array of mobility options are available for all," said Ben Chambers, Transportation Planning Manager for the City of Charlottesville
“Joining our local Week Without Driving experience is a great way to better understand what it is like to be a non-driver in our community. Today, there is a patchwork of existing alternatives to driving that work well for some people, some of the time. By experiencing these options, we hope participants develop a greater appreciation for the need for continued investment in a regional transportation system that supports non-drivers as well as it does drivers,” said Steven Johnson, Co-Chair of Livable Cville.
Local residents are encouraged to sign up at charlottesville.gov/weekwithoutdriving and participate by walking, biking, rolling, riding fare-free CAT buses, using MicroCAT in on-demand zones in Albemarle County, commuting with Jaunt Connect or Afton Express, grouping rides with TJPDC’s Rideshare program, and exploring shared mobility options like scooters and bikes. Use ConnectingVA (a mobile app) to plan your trip in advance, or call PATH (888-879-7379) for trip planning questions and support!
This initiative is a collaborative effort. Updated information that includes a calendar of events and active partners will be made available at charlottesville.gov/weekwithoutdriving. Stay tuned for information on a kickoff event.